Ms. President:
Numerous resolutions from the General Assembly, the Security Council, and the African Union have ratified the right to self-determination of the Saharawi people to date.
Over 60 years have passed since the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization designated Western Sahara as a Non-Self-Governing Territory.
It is imperative that the international community commit to implementing the UN resolutions and decisions on Western Sahara.
We advocate for a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution that leads to the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara in accordance with UN General Assembly Resolution 1514 (XV) regarding the granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples.
We do not favor unilateral decisions that disregard the interests and rights of the Saharawi people. This includes autonomy without sovereignty, which violates international law, the UN Charter, and UN General Assembly resolutions 1514 (XV) and 2625 (XXV).
The international community must provide greater cooperation and support for the Saharawi people. For over four decades, Cuba has contributed to the development of the Saharawi people, primarily in health and education.
Each year, Sahrawi students study at Cuban educational institutions. As of 2023, 2,149 Saharawi students had graduated from Cuban universities on scholarship. As of the end of 2024, 49 scholarship recipients from this territory were enrolled. Thirty scholarships were awarded for the 2025 academic year.
We reaffirm our commitment to continuing to contribute to the education of these young people.
Medical and basic education brigades are working in the Tindouf camps, offering their services to the population in solidarity. Likewise, Cuba contributed to the immunization of Sahrawi children against the COVID-19 virus.
Ms. President:
The Saharawi people can always count on Cuba's support in defending their right to self-determination.
Thank you