Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba Central Committee and President of the Republic, today presided over the creation of the National Commission on International Humanitarian Law (CONADIH). This demonstrates the Cuban state’s commitment to fulfilling its international obligations in this field.

In a statement on social media platform X, the President emphasised this represents «a higher stage in fulfilling the international commitments of the largest Antillean island» regarding humanitarian law. Díaz-Canel affirmed: «We shall continue promoting peace and respect for IHL principles in #Cuba and worldwide,» reiterating this pledge in subsequent remarks.

The newly constituted commission operates in a technical-advisory capacity with representation from ten Cuban ministries and governmental bodies. Its primary functions encompass adopting, implementing, disseminating, and defending IHL norms.

The inauguration ceremony featured the presence of His Excellency Stefano Vescovi, Ambassador of Switzerland to Cuba (representing the depositary state of the 1949 Geneva Conventions), alongside Francisco Pichón, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Cuba.

Cuba’s Foreign Ministry underscored in an official communiqué that this interministerial body reflects the nation’s profound commitment to fundamental principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.