Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of ‘Israel’ in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem testimonywas initiated in the United Nations in December 2022.
Fifty-two States and three international organizations have expressed their intention to participate in the oral proceedings before the Court.
Cuba will present its statement on Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 5 am ET, 2 am PT and 11 to 11:30 local time The Hague. And can be viewed at https://webtv.un.org/
On 30 December 2022, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/77/247 with 87 votes in favor, 26 against, and 53 abstentions.[9][10][11]
Summary
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) holds public hearings in the advisory proceedings on the Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.
Description
The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, holds public hearings on the request for an advisory opinion on the Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, from 19 to 26 February 2024, at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the seat of the Court. Session held under the presidency of Judge Nawaf Salam, President of the Court.
Cuba will continue to be the rebellious, dignified and sovereign island on which humanity can continue to count on
Speech by the member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Cuba and Prime Minister of the Republic, Manuel Marrero Cruz, at the World Summit of Governments, held in the United Arab Emirates, on February 12, 2024.
Photo: Estudios Revolución
Distinguished authorities of the United Arab Emirates and the Emirate of Dubai,
Dear heads of government delegations, guests and representatives of other sectors,
On behalf of the Cuban delegation, I thank the warm hospitality of the people and Government of the United Arab Emirates and the opportunity to participate in this new edition of the World Summit of Governments.
Excellencies,
Humanity has reached an unimaginable scientific and technical potential; however, never before has the world been so unequal and inequality so deep.
A new, more just, democratic and equitable international order could ensure decent living standards for present and future generations.
The current multidimensional crisis in the world is aggravated by geopolitical conflicts and wars for the control of natural resources, which are serious threats to human survival.
In this context, Cuba reiterates its solidarity and unwavering support for the brotherly Palestinian people in the face of the genocide being committed in their illegally occupied territories.
Distinguished delegates,
Science, technology and innovation must be essential components of the political debate associated with development.
The Summit of Heads of State and Government, held in September 2023 in Havana, under the Cuban presidency of the G-77 and China, achieved a substantive debate on the transcendental role of science, technology and innovation in the context of today’s enormous development challenges.
The final Declaration adopted at the Summit includes a set of practical actions to address these pressing problems from a Southern perspective.
The recent summit in Havana and this summit in Dubai have important points of convergence, which we must build on and enhance.
Distinguished colleagues:
Digital transformation must be developed to respond to the needs of our peoples.
Financing is required for investments in infrastructure, services, training and technology transfer without conditionalities, which increase the capacity for science, technology and innovation of our countries.
Within this framework, Artificial Intelligence must be a facilitator and promoter of sustainable development. It must help to promote equality between men and women, and the promotion of human rights.
It is also necessary for all actors to be aware of the ethical dimension of the use of these technologies and to encourage global debates on their regulatory framework, international governance and other key issues.
Artificial Intelligence will have an increasing impact on all aspects of our lives and we need to prepare for it.
We are entering a new era that offers enormous possibilities, but also great challenges that have not yet been fully addressed.
For example, it is imperative to prevent Artificial Intelligence and Information and Communications Technologies from being used for criminal purposes, discrimination, hate speech and violence, among other scourges.
Another challenge to overcome is the high concentration of advanced digital production technologies. Only ten economies are responsible for 90% of all world patents in this area.
The increasing privatization of knowledge must stop, as it poses limitations to progress and scientific solutions to problems, in addition to aggravating the socioeconomic conditions of developing countries.
Excellencies:
I would like to briefly refer to Cuba’s experience and challenges in some of the issues that summon us here.
We have consolidated a system based on science and innovation, in all fields, as fundamental pillars of the government’s management in Cuba.
This entire system provides for a systematic dialogue between scientists, experts and academics with the Government, as well as interaction with other social actors to ensure that science and innovation fulfill the social functions that the country requires for its development.
In addition, our country has been promoting education in a sustained manner, particularly higher education, and has great scientific and technological potential and capabilities.
The challenge of the pandemic demanded from the country the strengthening of technological sovereignty, particularly in the field of Health, which bore fruit, as its best expression, with the creation of three Cuban vaccines and two other vaccine candidates against COVID-19.
We were victorious in that hard fight and were able to support other countries, both with vaccines and with specialized human resources.
We have done all this under very difficult conditions. For our country, the task of development is especially hard. The economic, commercial and financial blockade of the United States against Cuba has just completed 62 years. It is the greatest obstacle to our development and a flagrant and systematic violation of the human rights of our people.
I take this opportunity to thank, once again, the solidarity of the peoples and governments of the world in our struggle against the blockade.
In spite of all the obstacles, we will continue to carry out the necessary transformations in the economy and society.
We are working on strengthening the entrepreneurial system, increasing agricultural production, diversifying the economic actors with the creation of micro, small and medium-sized private enterprises, and a broad legislative update, among other actions, as part of the implementation of the Government’s projections to correct distortions and boost the economy.
In parallel, social innovation policies associated with increasing popular participation in the conduct of public affairs are being developed to fight inequalities and promote greater social justice.
Excellencies:
We have the most absolute conviction that it will not be possible to advance towards a sustainable way of life, in harmony with nature, without promoting international solidarity as a human right and, within it, cooperation and complementarity as basic premises.
It is unacceptable that, in the midst of the most colossal scientific and technological development of all times, the world has gone back three decades in the reduction of poverty and hunger.
We cannot seriously speak of technological progress or equitable access to communications when more than 84 million children are still out of school and more than 660 million people have no electricity.
Excellencies:
I invite you to work for a world of peace, which will allow for the full development of our societies.
Our Government will continue to promote solidarity, complementarity, cooperation and dialogue among peoples to show that a better world is possible.
Cuba will continue to be the rebellious, dignified and sovereign island, with which humanity can continue to count on to demonstrate that Yes we could, yes we can, and we always can!
Alice Walker, the famous American writer and tenacious activist, received at Casa de las Americas, by Presidential Decree, the Haydee Santamaría Medal
In a friendship meeting between Cuban and American artists and writers at Casa de las Americas, the Minister of Culture Elpidio Alonso presents the Haydee Santamaria Medal to Allice Walker. Photo: Ismael Batista
To the example of that young Haydee who, before her brother’s torn eyes, said that if he had not spoken, she would not speak either, and she did not speak, alluded the writer and activist Alice Walker, just moments after receiving, this Wednesday, at Casa de las Americas, the Haydee Santamaria Medal, which was awarded to her by Presidential Decree.
“Haydee’s attitude is a reference to move forward in these times,” said the author of The Color Purple, and also confessed to feeling fortunate to have come so many times to Cuba and to see that the nation does not give up. Her people and their dreams will be eternal, “we will go forward and we will triumph,” she said.
Among the reasons put forward to distinguish Walker with this medal -at the proposal of the Cuban Minister of Culture, Alpidio Alonso- were mentioned the permanent claim of the Pulitzer Prize winner for the end of the U.S. blockade of the island; and her work in the links with our people, based on brotherhood and solidarity in the cultural and political spheres.
Likewise, the merits of her literary works were highlighted, in which she has honestly addressed the issues of racial and gender inequality.
Before the delegation of around 70 Americans visiting the country, related to the progressive cultural organization Busboys and Poets, based in Washington, the poet and essayist Nancy Morejon, National Literature Award, highlighted Walker’s indomitable character, and his life dedicated to the struggle for a better world and understanding among peoples.
On the occasion, she also praised Walker’s influence on Cuban writers through his literature and his civil commitment; and his long years of dedication to the Palestinian cause.
“Alice is at home, the home of all”, said Nancy, who added that this was not just a simple meeting, because both peoples are a family, and that is precisely the concretion of the Casa’s cultural project.
The visitors received a wide explanation of the programs and lines of the institution, through some of its professionals and collaborators; among them, Luisa Campuzano, Zuleica Romay and Víctor Fowler. The Minister of Culture and Abel Prieto, president of Casa de las Americas, were in the auditorium.
Fidel’s legacy, literacy and the cultural battle, and the relationship with Puerto Rico, transcended in the dialogue, in which members of the delegation asked how they could help break down barriers.
Jaime Gomez, vice president of that cultural center, urged them to consider themselves part of the Casa’s endeavors, for as Haydee said, the real workers there are the artists of the continent
Hooray! The 2024 May Day Brigade Application Is Now Open!
This year’s May Day Brigade is officially scheduled for Sunday, April 21st – Saturday, May 4th 2023.
This 14-day program will include solidarity delegations from all over the world! Preview this dynamic programhere.
The price of this year’s brigade is $865. The program costs includes accommodations for 14 days (most of which will be spent at the Julio Antonio Mella Camp), travel to and from the airport, meals, and program activities. Airfare is NOT included, but can be arranged by Marazul Tours for a small fee.
The program deposit is sliding scale $200-$300 and is due by Friday, March 9th.
Additional details can be found on the May Day Brigade Application.
Please join us on Thursday, February 15, 2024 for an informational drop in, where we will discuss the May Day Brigade, answer application questions, and share additional insight into our program.
