Madam Chair,
The United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization declared Western Sahara a Non-Self-Governing Territory 59 years ago.
Numerous resolutions of the General Assembly, the Security Council and the African Union have ratified the right to self-determination of the Saharawi people.
It is imperative that the international community commits itself to the implementation of UN resolutions and decisions on Western Sahara.
Madam Chair,
We advocate a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, leading to the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara, in accordance with UN General Assembly resolution 1514 (XV) on 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, including autonomy without sovereignty, which is in violation of international law, the UN Charter and UN General Assembly resolutions 1514 (XV) and 2625 (XV).
Madam Chair,
The Saharawi people need the support of the international community. Since 1976, Cuba has offered its modest contribution to the development of the brotherly Saharawi people, mainly in the field of education and health.
More than 2,000 Saharawi students have graduated from higher education in Cuban institutions of the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Higher Education.
In the 2023-2024 school year alone, more than 60 young Saharawis are studying in Cuban educational centers.
We reaffirm our will to continue contributing to the training of these young people in the fields of health and education.
A medical brigade and a brigade of basic education teachers are working in the Tindouf camps, offering their services to the population in solidarity.
The Saharawi people can always count on Cuba's firm solidarity in their struggle to exercise their legitimate rights.
I thank you.