Cuban Ambassador Addresses Migration Issues at ECLAC Meeting

Cuba’s Ambassador Mercedes Vicente addressed the harmful effects of the U.S. blockade and the designation as a terrorism sponsor at an ECLAC meeting. She emphasized international cooperation for migrant rights and condemned the use of Guantánamo Bay as a detention center. Vicente called for dialogue to combat xenophobia and highlighted Cuba’s engagement with 24 countries on migration discussions. UN estimates show 48.3 million people living outside their home countries in 2024.

At a recent meeting of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), the Cuban ambassador to Chile, Mercedes Vicente, criticized the negative impacts of the United States blockade on her country and its designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. The ambassador protested the use of the Guantánamo Bay naval base, arguing that it is inappropriate for the United States to operate a migrant detention center on territory it occupies illegally.

Ambassador Vicente participated in the second regional meeting focused on the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration, which saw attendance from various representatives including governments, UN representatives, international organizations, the private sector, and academia. She emphasized the necessity of international collaboration to protect migrants’ rights while addressing issues like illegal smuggling and human trafficking.

Furthermore, the Cuban envoy urged for enhanced dialogue and cooperation among nations to combat xenophobia and discrimination, advocating for the integrity, dignity, and well-being of migrants. She informed attendees that Cuba engages in regular migration discussions with 24 countries, reflecting a commitment to dialogue on migration issues.

The ambassador underscored the historic nature of human mobility, noting that many individuals in the region are descendants of migrants who contributed significantly to their new communities. She concluded her remarks by advocating for the protection of migrants’ rights as a means to foster a more equitable future. ECLAC and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are sponsoring the meeting, which will continue until March 20. Recent UN estimations indicate that around 48.3 million people in the region were living outside their native countries in 2024.

In summary, Ambassador Mercedes Vicente of Cuba highlighted the detrimental effects of the U.S. blockade and its inclusion on a terrorism list during the ECLAC meeting. She stressed the need for international cooperation to safeguard migrant rights and combat smuggling and trafficking. Vicente’s remarks underscored the historical context of migration and the importance of protecting migrants’ dignity as part of a broader social justice effort. The meeting, continuing through March 20, gathers multiple stakeholders committed to migration issues in the region.

Original Source: www.plenglish.com