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Equality, development and peace
for women
GENEVA.— According to Yolanda Ferrer Gómez, leading
the Cuban delegation at the 131st
Inter-parliamentary Union Assembly, currently taking
place in Geneva, the international community is once
again leading the debate and actions in the struggle
for equality, development and peace – the three
fundamental issues during the UN Decade for Women -
which are closely interlinked and essential if we
wish to advance in the realization women’s
fundamental human rights and put an end to gender
violence.
 During
her speech, Ferrer emphasized that in Cuba women
occupy a prominent space in all spheres and levels
of economic, political, social and cultural life;
adding that the country has laws which recognize,
value, and protect women’s rights, and is constantly
working to perfect them.
She added that currently women represent 48.86% of
the Cuban Parliament and 41% of the Council of
State.
The leader of the Cuban delegation concluded by
denouncing the U.S. blockade and urging legislators
to call on the U.S. President to put an end to the
injustice perpetrated against the Cuban Five and
their families for over 16 years. She also expressed
thanks for the solidarity and support offered by
various Parliaments around the world for the release
of the Cuban Five, saying, “We must continue the
struggle, given that three of these heroes remain
incarcerated.”
On another occasion during the general debate
concerning the Ebola epidemic which is currently
affecting Central and West Africa, Ferrer commented
that Cuba responded immediately to the call made by
the UN Secretary-general and Director-general of the
World Health Organization, sending 165 health
professional, including doctors and nurses. She
added that this action forms part of the history of
solidarity with Africa, where since the early years
of the Revolution, more than 76,700 Cuban
collaborators have worked. Currently, a total of
2,269 health professionals and technicians offer
medical services in 32 African countries. Africa is
awaiting the response of Parliaments from around the
world and UN member states, in particular from those
with resources. She concluded by urging all to join
the global effort to combat Ebola.
The Cuban delegation has participated in
international forums regarding democracy and human
rights, peace and international security,
sustainable development and the promotion of a
democratic and fair international order. (SE)
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