Cuba decries at Unesco impact of blockade on Covid-19 fight

Cuba denounced on Monday at the sixth extraordinary session of Unesco's Executive Board the obstacle that the United States blockade represents to its efforts to deal with the Covid-19.

The pandemic highlights the enormous restrictions imposed by the United States with its economic, commercial and financial siege, which constitutes the main obstacle to access to the necessary medicines, materials and health equipment, said Oscar Leon, the island's representative to the Council, at the virtual forum.

Regarding the video-conference modality used by UNESCO and other organizations to guarantee the holding of meetings in the midst of the health crisis, he pointed out that digital platforms must be used to guarantee equal conditions for all States.

The economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by Washington on Cuba for the past six decades has affected its participation in events.

In this sense, Leon warned that the hostile position of the United States not only hinders Cuba's development, but also hinders its relations with organizations of the UN system, including Unesco.

According to the island's representative, the siege intensified by the current administration, even during the time of the Covid-19, constitutes the main barrier to the development and well-being of the Cuban people and hinders international cooperation in the Unesco areas of competence: science, education, access to information and culture.

All of these sectors are essential in dealing with the crisis caused by Covid-19, he stressed.