Mr. President,
We welcome the choice of theme for this Forum. Solidarity and social cohesion are the policy of the State and the willingness of the Government.
The Constitution of the Republic, in its Article 1, affirms solidarity and equality as two essential pillars on which the socialist State of law and social justice is based.
In Cuba, all persons are equal before the law, receive the same protection and treatment from the authorities, and enjoy the same rights, freedoms, and opportunities, without any discrimination based on sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other personal condition or circumstance that implies a distinction detrimental to human dignity. Violation of the principle of equality is prohibited and punishable by law.
On the basis of these premises, the Government works tirelessly to create conditions that contribute to the social cohesion of our people, as a way of contributing to their well-being and to the development of the country.
Although the daily challenges faced by our people are monumental and are the result of a policy of maximum pressure by the United States Government, Cuba continues to work to achieve sustainable development that guarantees the individual and collective prosperity of the people, contributes to a greater degree of equity and social justice, and guarantees the full dignity of all.
Mr. President:
International solidarity is a right of peoples and individuals that supports and strengthens the realization of other human rights, and, at the same time, is a necessity in an interconnected world.
For more than six decades, with absolute humility, Cuba has shown concrete signs of solidarity with the neediest countries and peoples, especially those of the South.
Cuban collaborators have served in the most difficult places and under the most difficult circumstances. We are honored to have contributed to the fight against cholera in Haiti, Ebola in Africa, and COVID-19 in 42 countries and territories, to name a few. We are also proud to have supported the recovery efforts of peoples who have suffered the effects of catastrophes of great magnitude.
Similarly, Cuba is also honored to be the recipient of multiple and constant expressions of solidarity from the international community, for which our people and government are deeply grateful.
Cuba is determined to continue promoting solidarity and social cohesion for the benefit of all, leaving no one behind. This is a moral duty, an ethical imperative and a commitment to humanity.
Thank you