The United Nations.- On June 10 Cuba presented its policies regarding the rights of disabled people and their inclusion within society, stated Cuba’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Oscar León.
During the conference between signatories of the Convention on the Rights of PersonswithDisabilities, he noted that visible achievements have been realized on the island despite the U.S. blockade imposed for over 50 years; the limitations Cuba faces as a developing county and the devastating impact of weather phenomena.
According to León, noteworthy actions include the implementation of a strategy based on the principles of freedom, equality, social justice and inclusion, as well as three national plans applied from 1995 through 2016, to support those with physical, mental or sensory limitations.
Cuba’s policies regard disabled people as holders of rights with different capabilities, from a medical, educational and social-legal perspective, which aim to promote their physical rehabilitation, mastery and development of their abilities and social inclusion.
During the forum, León also noted that the objective of such policies is to achieve full social integration and improve the quality of life of this section of the population.
He continued stating that although Cuba does not have a specific law relating to disabled people, there exist various legal bodies which guarantee protection for these citizens, among them the Children and Youth, Family, Civil and Work and Legal codes.
