The Aotearoa New Zealand Cuba Friendship Society welcomes the BRICS New Delhi Declaration which expresses deep concern over the tightening of unilateral blockade measures against Cuba and calls for their end in accordance with UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/80/4, which 165 member countries supported.
It is noteworthy that the Cuban situation received a dedicated paragraph in the declaration, acknowledging the worsening humanitarian impact of unilateral sanctions. This shows that major nations of the Global South are paying attention to Cuba, not only because of the severity of the situation, but also because it has implications for all nations.
The declaration reaffirms the character of Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace, built on mutual respect, peaceful settlement of disputes and non-intervention.
BRICS nations condemned unilateral coercive measures contrary to international law, noting their far-reaching negative implications for human rights, including the rights to development, health and food security.
Cuba Society Co-chair and National Spokesperson Dr Josephine Varghese welcomed the solidarity expressed by BRICS nations.
“This is a welcome development. BRICS nations are rising in global prominence across economic, cultural, geopolitical and trade sectors, so their reaffirmation of commitment to international law, including proposals to reform international bodies to give greater representation to the Global South, is commendable,” she said.
“As a small nation around half the population size of Cuba, New Zealand should also raise its voice to uphold a rules-based international order – one that will protect not only Cuba, but also New Zealand in the years to come,” Varghese added.
The Society is urging the New Zealand Government to act on the demands set out in its founding Statement and Declaration. These include:
- Continuing to strengthen the constructive relationship between the New Zealand and Cuban governments.
- Formally recognising the severity of the humanitarian crisis in Cuba and acting with urgency;
- Sending humanitarian aid, in particular milk powder, to address acute shortages affecting Cuban infants;
- Exploring areas of collaboration. For instance, in the health sector, where New Zealand is facing severe shortages in trained personnel.
We urge Kiwis to join our efforts by becoming a member. The membership form can be found via our website https://cubafriendship.org.nz/.
On behalf of the Aotearoa Cuba Friendship Society,
Gillian Magee and Josephine Varghese
Co-Chairs
Email: chairperson@cubafriendship.org.nz
Website: https://cubafriendship.org.nz/
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