New York, 18 October 2021. Indira Guardia, Second Secretary of the Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations, ratified Cuba’s support for the efforts made by the International Law Commission (ILC) to improve the protection of people affected by disasters.
Guardia spoke on item 87: “Protection of persons in the event of disasters” and stated that the primary responsibility for ensuring the protection of persons, the provision of relief and assistance in its territory, in the event of disasters, falls on the affected State, and in the event that the disaster exceeds the national response capacity, said State has the right to request or accept bilateral or international assistance.
She also expressed that taking into account the Cuban experience, the measures to reduce disaster risk should include, among other actions, conducting risk studies; collecting and disseminating information on risks and previous losses; complying with technical standards in investments to increase resilience by reducing vulnerabilities; introducing measures to adapt to and mitigate climate change with emphasis on safe water, food security and health. She added that the preparedness of the population at risk and the installation and operation of early warning systems should be taken into account.
The diplomat said that in addition to these precepts, a future convention based on the subject should clearly state that the offer of international assistance shall not be made under conditions, pressures, or driven by elements harmful to the sovereignty of the affected State.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations
