U.S. blockade affects the work of the United Nations Development System in Cuba
New York, 21 October 2019. Cuba participated today in the debate of the Segment on Operational Activities, Agenda Item 23 of the Second Committee of the United Nations, at its 74th session; where it called for the ambitious process of repositioning the United Nations Development System to be translated into a strengthening of the development pillar and the reaffirmation of the principles guiding the System's activities, its neutrality, its intergovernmental nature and its objective strictly linked to development.
The Cuban representative, Second Secretary Biana Leyva, explained that the United Nations Development System should continue to strengthen its contribution to the national development priorities of the Country Programs, in accordance with the mandates of each entity and based on flexible and inclusive policies. This, she added, in full respect for national sovereignty, the self-determination of peoples and the leadership of national governments over their own processes.
In the specific case of Cuba, the diplomat confirmed that the tightening of the economic, commercial and financial blockade policy imposed by the U.S. government against Cuba for almost 60 years, and the recent activation of Title III of the Helms-Burton Act, hinders the implementation of projects of UN System entities and the promotion of sustainable development in Cuba.
Considerations provided by the Office of the Resident Coordinator in Cuba, included in the Report of the Secretary-General on the Blockade, 2019, indicate that the restrictions of the blockade cause critical difficulties for the implementation of the United Nations programs and projects, particularly in the acquisition and purchase of products for humanitarian and development purposes, even if they are acquired through multilateral cooperation.
Leyva pointed out that the financial proposals and projects of the UN organizations in Cuba should include in their designs a longer timeframe for procurement processes and additional financial resources that could otherwise be allocated to development activities.
To conclude her statement, the Cuban representative advocated an effective global alliance for sustainable development based on mutual respect and the promotion of close cooperation ties with the UN System and reaffirmed Cuba's commitment to South-South cooperation.
(Cubaminrex-Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations)