Geneva (Switzerland), December 11, 2024 (SPS) — During its intervention at the International Conference titled "64 Years After the Adoption of UN Resolution 1514 (XV): The Self-Determination of All Peoples and the Responsibility of the UN," the delegation from the Republic of Cuba reaffirmed its strong support for the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination, a key principle in the struggle against colonialism.
In its speech, Cuba emphasized the international call to end colonialism, recalling the importance of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1960 through the historic Resolution 1514 (XV). The Cuban delegation pointed out that nearly 64 years after this resolution, the work of the UN remains pending, as there are still territories under occupation, including Western Sahara.
As Vice President of the UN Special Committee on Decolonization, Cuba reaffirmed its commitment to the struggle for the self-determination of all peoples. In this regard, the Cuban delegation advocated for a political solution that allows the Sahrawi people to exercise their right to self-determination in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter and relevant UN resolutions.
“Cuba defends the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination based on respect for the principles and purposes of the UN Charter, International Law, and relevant UN resolutions,” stated the Cuban delegation. They also reiterated their opposition to unilateral decisions that disregard the rights and interests of the Sahrawi people, stressing that the international community must support their aspirations.
The Cuban intervention also highlighted international solidarity as a fundamental pillar in the struggle for decolonization. In this context, Cuba recalled the historical commitment of the Cuban Revolution to colonized peoples, mentioning the cooperation that Cuba has maintained with the inhabitants of non-self-governing territories over the years.
“In Cuban schools and universities, for example, thousands of young people from the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic and Palestine have studied. Cooperation with the inhabitants of non-self-governing territories is essential for collective well-being and for the necessary economic and social development of these territories,” expressed the Cuban delegation, calling on all UN member states to contribute to this cause.
Finally, Cuba reiterated its unwavering commitment to eradicating colonialism in all its forms. “As long as there is one single people under such conditions, the work of the United Nations will remain incomplete,” emphasized the Cuban delegation, stressing that the Sahrawi people, like many others in the world, need the constant support of the international community to achieve freedom and justice.
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