Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, the Cuban ambassador to the United Nations, recently claimed that Cuba maintains an "impeccable record" in the advancement and safeguarding of the rights of children and adolescents.
His remarks were made during a session at the UN, where he countered criticisms from the United States, urging their delegation to refrain from "distorting reality and facts" regarding Cuba.
Soberón criticized the U.S., labeling it "shameful" that the "only country that has not ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child" would attempt to challenge Cuba's performance in this area.
He further questioned the "moral authority" with which the U.S. speaks about Cuba, accusing the American government of detaining migrant children, "instilling fear," "threatening them," and forcibly attempting to separate them from their parents.
The diplomat linked the discussion on children's rights to Washington's sanctions and pressure policies.
He argued that while the U.S. representative denies that her government's "hostile policy" is a significant barrier to the development of Cuban children, Cuba is making "urgent decisions" to sustain the vitality of hospitals, institutions, and schools in light of "extreme measures announced on January 29," which he claims aim to enforce an "absolute blockade" on the country's fuel supply.
Soberón asserted that these actions are intended to "break the will of the Cuban people," inflict "maximum harm," and incite social unrest to "justify" a "regime change" policy. "They will not succeed," he declared.
As he concluded his address, Soberón acknowledged that the "situation is tough" and will demand "great sacrifice," but he asserted that the Cuban people have been "hardened" in their fight for sovereignty, independence, and self-determination, affirming, "This time will be no different."
The Regime's Unspoken Reality
In October 2025, an image of a nine-year-old boy selling chicken bouillon tablets on the streets of Santiago de Cuba stirred emotions among many within and outside the island.
His story, shared by activists, highlighted the level of poverty and neglect in which many Cuban minors are raised, compelled to take on economic responsibilities to support their families.
Described by witnesses as a "painful and unbearable" scene, it underscored the loss of childhood in a nation where child labor has become a desperate means of survival amid the lack of state protection.
A month later, the Ministry of Education released a social media post about "children's right to adequate nutrition," accompanied by the phrase "Eating healthy, our right."
This statement sparked outrage among citizens and independent organizations, which deemed it hypocritical in a context where thousands of students attend school without breakfast.
Complaints about the poor quality of school meals and rising child malnutrition starkly contrasted with the official narrative.
According to UNICEF data cited in recent reports, one in ten Cuban children suffers from severe food poverty, a situation that underscores the deteriorating living conditions and the failure to uphold the most fundamental rights of children in Cuba.
Critical Questions on Child Rights in Cuba
What claims did the Cuban ambassador make about child rights in Cuba?
The Cuban ambassador, Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, asserted that Cuba has an impeccable record in promoting and protecting children's rights, despite criticisms from the United States.
How did the ambassador respond to U.S. criticisms?
Soberón criticized the U.S.'s moral standing, accusing them of mistreating migrant children, and linked the discussion on children's rights to U.S. sanctions against Cuba.
What is the current state of child welfare in Cuba?
Reports indicate that many Cuban children face severe conditions, including poverty and child labor, contradicting the regime's narrative of maintaining children's rights.