The United Nations - On February 13, speaking before the organization’s Security Council, Cuba called for a multilateral, combined response to terrorism, that moves away from unilateral actions and double standards.

In an open debate between the 15 members of the body regarding terrorist threats to civil infrastructure, Cuba’s permanent representative to the UN, Anayansi Rodríguez noted that Havana supports the adoption of a general agreement on this scourge and the holding of a global conference to work toward these types of responses.

“We reject and condemn double standards and selective treatment regarding this issue. The fight against terrorism cannot be used as a pretext for intervention and interference, aggression, or international and human rights violations,” she stated before the forum.

The Cuban diplomat also demanded an end to the financing, arming, and training of all extremist groups which spread violence and destruction across the world.

Rodríguez went on to reaffirm the island’s commitment to combating terrorism, recalling that the Cuban people have also been the victims of terrorist acts organized, funded and executed from abroad; leaving almost 3,500 people dead and over 2,000 handicapped.

She also stressed that the Caribbean nation has never, nor will it ever, allow its territory to be used to carry out, plan, support, conceal, or finance such actions against any other country.

Regarding the immediate challenges of this scourge, such as the use of new information and communication technologies by terrorists, Rodríguez called on all countries to make concerted efforts toward combating the problem.

It is vital to create a legally binding international instrument, within the United Nations system, able to regulate and ensure that information and communication technologies are used in accordance with International Law, and especially the UN Charter, she noted.

Unanimously adopted during the debate was Resolution 2341, which aims to strengthen prevention mechanisms and reduce the impact of terrorist attacks on important works of civil infrastructure.

Attendees also expressed their concern over attacks by the Islamic State, Boko Haram, Al Qaeda, Al Shabaab, and the Al Nusra Front, on hospitals, schools, transport networks, and basic public service facilities, including energy and water.