For more than six decades, the Cuban people have been facing a genocidal blockade that violates their fundamental rights to life, health, food, education and culture, among others. It also hinders the Cuban government’s continuous efforts to eradicate inequalities and achieve greater social justice, objectives endorsed in the Constitution adopted in 2019.
Every October 10th is a reason for national pride. On that day in 1868, 155 years ago, Cubans began the struggle for the independence of the island, then known as the “most precious jewel of the Spanish crown,” which lived under a humiliating submission amid an unstoppable process of love for the homeland. The first light of day and the chiming bells of La Demajagua sugar mill were the beginning of a sole, continuous process, which started with the Father of the Homeland, Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, and concluded with the victory of the “Barbudos” on January 1st, 1959.
On Friday, September 22, dozens of citizens belonging to different people’s movements marched in New York City demanding an end to the US imposed blockade against Cuba. They also demanded that president Joe Biden take Cuba off the state sponsors of terrorism list, stating that it is not Cuba which has the largest military budget in the world. Cuban president Miguel Díaz-Canel also joined the rally and chanted along with the people, “Cuba, yes! Blockade, no!
That is also the case for those countries suffering the imposition of unilateral coercive measures that constitute a serious violation of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Those measures gravely hinder the efforts of the affected countries towards the achievement of the SDGs and sustainable development in general. The international community, including the United Nations system, should continue to firmly reject the imposition of those measures and to work for their unconditional lifting.
As we enter the 200th year of the Monroe Doctrine, we stand at a crossroads. Will we allow for the U.S. to continue its domination of the Americas and the Caribbean or will we stand together for the sovereignty and democracy of all peoples, including the working and oppressed within U.S. borders?
Amid the challenges of a global economy marked by crisis, Cuba strives to maintain its socialist project, meet the needs of its people, and assert its independence. Despite facing the longest embargo in modern history, the nation has made significant strides in public education, health care, and sustainable development, outperforming many advanced economies. The future may be fraught with challenges, but Cuba’s dedication to its people and its independent path shines as a beacon of hope in a world still unable to answer the many dilemmas of humanity. Indeed, that is why Fidel Castro’s daring mission at the Moncada Barracks 70 years ago continues to have such a hold on the Cuban imagination. Despite the temporary setbacks, Cubans survive and live to fight the next battle.
Cuba passed one of the world’s most progressive codes on families on September 25 last year. All in one go, the small island nation legalised same-sex marriage, defined and upheld the rights of children, the disabled, caregivers, the elderly, and redefined “family” along ties of affinity rather than blood. This opens the concept of “family” to include non-traditional forms of familial relations, which exist outside the model of the heterosexual nuclear family.
Cuban youth explain how their country survives — despite US blockade
Over the years spending cuts in public health have slowed down the recruitment of new doctors in all Italian regions, especially those facing the biggest […]
UBA REMEMBERS FIDEL
