MUN Committee 2-
Country-Cuba
Agenda-Countering terrorism and extremism
Committee-DISEC:Disarmament and Security council
Research
About the country-
Cuba is located in the Caribbean , surrounded by the Caribbean Sea,the gulf of Mexico and the
Atlantic Ocean.It is the largest island in the Caribbean.The capital of Cuba is Havana which is the
biggest city in Cuba.The Cuban President is known as Miguel Diaz Canel and prime minister Manuel
Marrero Cruz.
Communism-
Cuba went through many political and social changes , including the Cuban Revolution in 1959
which brought Fidel Castro to power. Cuba is a one party socialist republic with a centralized
government. The communist party of Cuba also known as PCC is the only legal political party.PCC
holds significant control over the country’s political, economic and social relations.Cuba has strong
relations with the United States of America, because of their long standing trading embargo started by
the US in 1960.Cuba became a Communist country because of the Cuban Revolution, led by Fidel
Castro and his forces, which overthrew the US,backed dictatorship Fulgencio Batista in 1959.The US
had many significant economical and political influence in Cuba before the revolution but many
Cubans believed the influence as exploitative and resented it. One of the earliest actions of the
revolutionary government was land reform. Large landholdings, including those owned by U.S.
companies, were expropriated and redistributed to landless peasants. This move aligned with
communist principles of redistributing wealth and resources.This led to tensions with the United
States and further pushed Cuba toward a more socialist and eventually communist system..Fidel
Alejandro Castro Ruz was born on August 13, 1926, in Birán, a small town in eastern Cuba.In the
early 1950s, Castro became involved in opposition to the authoritarian regime of Cuban dictator
Fulgencio Batista. On July 26, 1953, he led an unsuccessful attack on the Moncada Barracks, which
marked the beginning of the Cuban Revolution.After the failed attack, Castro was imprisoned but
later released. He went into exile in Mexico, where he organized a group of revolutionaries, including
Ernesto "Che" Guevara. In 1956, they returned to Cuba aboard the yacht Granma and initiated a
guerrilla war against Batista's government.The revolution culminated in January 1959 when Castro
and his forces successfully overthrew Batista's regime. Castro then assumed power in Cuba.Fidel
Castro passed away on November 25, 2016, at the age of 90. Fulgencio Batista, a former army sergeant,
seized power in a coup in 1952 and established a dictatorship marked by corruption, repression, and
close ties to U.S. interests.
Bay of Pigs Invasion-
The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) trained and equipped a group of Cuban exiles, known as
Brigade 2506, with the goal of invading Cuba and overthrowing Castro's government. The operation
was authorized by the administration of President Dwight D. Eisenhower and was continued under
President John F. Kennedy.The invasion took place at the Bay of Pigs (Bahía de Cochinos) on the
southern coast of Cuba. This location was chosen because it was relatively remote and considered an
ideal spot for the exiles to establish a beachhead.n April 17, 1961, the exiles landed at the Bay of Pigs.
However, the invasion quickly encountered problems. The element of surprise was lost, and the
Cuban government had been informed about the impending attack. The exiles faced stiff resistance
from Cuban forces and were not able to garner support from the local population as they had
hoped.The invasion was a failure. Within a few days, it became clear that the exiles could not achieve
their objectives. They were surrounded and outnumbered by Cuban forces. President Kennedy chose
not to provide direct U.S. military intervention, and the invasion was abandoned.The Bay of Pigs
invasion had significant consequences. It increased tensions between the United States and the Soviet
Union, leading to the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. It also solidified Fidel Castro's grip on power in
Cuba and led to a deepening of the Cold War struggle in Latin America.
The Bay of Pigs invasion remains a controversial and significant event in U.S. foreign policy history,
illustrating the complexities and challenges of covert interventions in other countries' affairs.
Relations with the Soviet Union-
As relations with the United States deteriorated, Cuba sought support from the Soviet Union. This led
to the establishment of close ties between Cuba and the Soviet bloc during the Cold War. The Soviet
Union provided economic and military assistance to Cuba, which reinforced the shift toward
communismIn 1961 . The United States attempted to overthrow Fidel Castro's government by
supporting a group of Cuban exiles in an invasion at the Bay of Pigs. The invasion failed, embarrassing
the United States and cementing Cuba's alignment with the Soviet Union.
Cold War-
The Cuban Missile Crisis was one of the most dangerous moments of the Cold War. In response to
U.S. nuclear missiles stationed in Turkey and Italy, the Soviet Union deployed nuclear missiles to
Cuba. This led to a tense standoff between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, with the world on the brink
of nuclear war. Eventually, a negotiated settlement was reached in which the U.S. agreed not to invade
Cuba, and the Soviets removed their missiles from the island
Cuban Airline Attack-
On October 6, 1976, Cubana Flight 455, a DC-8 aircraft, was en route from Barbados to Cuba when it
was hijacked by two individuals with connections to anti-Castro Cuban exile groups. The hijackers
planted bombs on the plane, resulting in a mid-air explosion. All 73 people on board were killed,
making it one of the deadliest airline bombings in the Western Hemisphere.
The agenda
Countering Terrorism-This refers to efforts aimed at preventing, disrupting, and responding to acts of
terrorism. It involves a range of activities such as intelligence gathering, law enforcement operations,
border security, and emergency response to mitigate the impact of terrorist attacks.
Countering Extremism-his involves strategies and programs aimed at preventing the spread of
extremist ideologies that can lead to violence or radicalization. Countering extremism focuses on
addressing the root causes and drivers of extremism, which may include social, political, economic, and
ideological factors. It often includes efforts to promote tolerance, diversity, and inclusion, as well as
initiatives to counter extremist propaganda and recruitment efforts.
Cuba’s Stance
Cuba has repeatedly condemned acts of terrorism and expressed solidarity with countries and
organizations that have been victims of terrorism. The Cuban government has strongly denounced acts
of violence targeting civilians and has called for international cooperation in combating
terrorism.Cuba has been included in the U.S. State Department's list of state sponsors of terrorism in
the past, primarily due to its historical support for left-wing militant groups in Latin America and
Africa during the Cold War. Cuba was removed from this list by the U.S. government in January
2021.Cuba has engaged in international efforts to combat terrorism and extremism. It has supported
and endorsed various United Nations resolutions and initiatives aimed at preventing and countering
terrorism.Cuba's official stance on terrorism and extremism is that it opposes any form of violence and
advocates for political solutions to conflicts. The Cuban government has consistently called for
dialogue and diplomacy to address global issues and disputes.
1. Article 16(l) of chapter II, which is dedicated to international relations, states that: the
Republic of Cuba … “rejects and condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, in
particular State terrorism”.
2. Last year, Cuba joined one of the anti-terrorism initiatives that has garnered the most
international support, by signing the Code of Conduct towards Achieving a World Free of
Terrorism, on 28 September 2018 at United Nations Headquarters.
3. Cuba believes that the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy is a critical
instrument in the international struggle against this scourge, a struggle in which the General
Assembly must continue to play a central role.
4. Cuba took part in the sixth biennial review of the Strategy, on 26 and 27 June 2018; and in the
United Nations High-level Conference of Heads of Counter-Terrorism 1909531E 3 Agencies
of Member States, with the theme of “Strengthening international cooperation to combat the
evolving threat of terrorism”, held in New York on 28 and 29 June 2018.
5. The decision to give constitutional status to the nation’s commitment to combating terrorism
by including it in article 16(l) of the new Constitution of the Republic reaffirms the
long-standing position held by Cuba and establishes the rejection and condemnation of
terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including State terrorism, as a principle of its
foreign policy.
6. Through Decree-Law No. 316 of 7 December 2013 amending the Criminal Code and the
counter-terrorism act, the definitions of criminal offenses relating to acts of terrorism involving
the use of nuclear and radioactive material and ionizing substances were modified, and the
range of offenses categorized as money-laundering was expanded, in accordance with the
United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic
Substances and the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime.
7. Cuba, as a member of the UN, has supported numerous Security Council resolutions related
to counterterrorism. These resolutions often target specific aspects of counterterrorism efforts,
such as sanctions against terrorist organizations, countering the financing of terrorism, and
enhancing international cooperation in this regard.
8. Cuba has consistently expressed its support for the UN Global Counter-Terrorism
Strategy,Some notable incidents include the bombing of a Cubana Airlines flight in 1976,
which killed all 73 people on board, and a series of hotel bombings in the 1990s targeting
tourist areas.
9. These acts were generally attributed to anti-Castro groups operating in exile.Alpha 66 is an
anti-Castro paramilitary organization founded by Cuban exiles in the United States in the
1960s.
10. Omega 7 was another anti-Castro paramilitary group composed of Cuban exiles. Coordination
of United Revolutionary Organizations (CORU): The CORU was an umbrella organization
of various anti-Castro groups. Luis Posada Carriles was a prominent figure in anti-Castro
circles and was linked to various acts of terrorism against Cuba. He was accused of involvement
in the bombing of a Cubana Airlines flight in 1976.
Terrorist Attacks in Cuba-
1. In the early 1990s, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Cuban exile groups in Miami
intensified their efforts to overthrow Fidel Castro's regime in Cuba. This included attempts to
procure weaponry for potential attacks on Cuba.Some of these actions contravened U.S.
neutrality laws, but U.S. law enforcement agencies and prosecutors displayed inconsistency in
investigating and pursuing legal action against individuals engaged in these activities.
2. Cuba established its own intelligence network called La Red Avispa, which was dispatched to
infiltrate militant exile groups in Florida. They successfully foiled several plots, such as plans to
bomb the Tropicana nightclub in Havana and an assassination attempt against Castro
involving explosives.
3. In the spring of 1998, Cuban agents uncovered a plot to detonate an airplane carrying tourists
from Europe or Latin America. The Cuban government sought to communicate this threat to
the United States, and the renowned novelist Gabriel Garcia Marquez was utilized to convey a
confidential message to President Bill Clinton.
4. The Federal Aviation Administration took the threat seriously enough to issue warnings to
airlines. Subsequently, FBI agents traveled to Havana to engage in discussions with Cuban
counterparts. During this three-day meeting in a secure location, the Cubans provided the FBI
with evidence of various plots, including the planned airplane attack and a series of hotel
bombings in Havana that had resulted in casualties
Fidel Castro Executions-
After the Cuban Revolution in 1959, some officials from the previous Fulgencio Batista regime were
arrested, put on trial, and executed as part of the revolutionary government's efforts to eliminate
opposition.Those who were perceived as counter-revolutionaries or conspirators against the new
government faced arrest, imprisonment, and sometimes execution. The "La Cabaña" trials, for
example, involved the execution of individuals accused of war crimes and other offenses.Over the years,
political dissidents and critics of the Cuban government were often arrested, harassed, or imprisoned.
While not all political dissidents were killed, there have been allegations of torture and mistreatment.
Key components of finance against terrorism and extremism
1.Anti-Money Laundering (AML): AML measures are designed to prevent the illicit use of the
financial system to "clean" or legitimize money gained through criminal activities, which can
include terrorism-related activities.
2.Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF): CTF focuses on identifying and preventing the flow of
funds to individuals or entities involved in terrorism, including extremist groups.
Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs): FIUs are responsible for collecting and analyzing financial
transaction data to identify suspicious activities that might be linked to terrorism or
extremism.
3.Sanctions and Asset Freezing: Governments may impose sanctions on individuals, groups, or
entities connected to terrorism or extremism. This can include freezing their assets, restricting
their access to financial resources.
4.Know Your Customer (KYC) Rules: Financial institutions are required to verify the
identities of their customers, making it more challenging for individuals involved in terrorism
or extremism to access financial services discreetly.
International Cooperation: Countries work together to share information and intelligence
related to financial transactions associated with terrorism and extremism. International
organizations, such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), set global standards and
promote cooperation.
5.Preventive Measures: These include efforts to monitor informal remittance systems,
investigate non-profit organizations that may be used to funnel funds to extremist groups, and
address risks in high-risk sectors like money service businesses.
Important words related to committee-
Extremism-Extremism refers to holding and promoting extreme or radical beliefs, especially in the
context of political, religious, or social ideologies.
Terrorism-Terrorism is the use of violence or threats of violence, often against civilians, to create fear
and intimidate a population or government for political, ideological, or religious purposes.
Current Events in Cuba-
Arbitrary Detention and Prosecution
The government continued to employ arbitrary detention to harass and intimidate critics, independent
activists, political opponents, and others.Security officers rarely presented arrest warrants when
detaining critics. Officers prevented people from attending protests, arresting critics and journalists on
their way—or keeping them from leaving home.On July 11, 2021, thousands took to the streets in the
largest nationwide demonstrations against the government since the Cuban revolution. One protester,
Diubis Laurencio Tejeda, a 36-year-old singer, died, seemingly at the hands of police.Cuban rights
groups counted more than 1,500 people, mostly peaceful demonstrators or bystanders, detained; more
than 660 remained behind bars as of October 2022. Many were periodically held incommunicado.
Some suffered ill-treatment—in some cases, torture.The government acknowledged convicting over
380 detainees, including several children, of a broad range of public order offences.
Migration
The number of Cubans leaving their country dramatically increased in 2022, surpassing historic peaks
in the 80s and 90s.The US Border Patrol apprehended over 203,000 Cubans between January and
September 2022—a dramatic increase over the 33,000 Cubans apprehended during the same period of
2021. The US Coast Guard interdicted over 6,182 Cubans at sea from October 2021 through
September 2022, by far the most in five years.Cubans who journey to the US face abuses by gangs and
security forces throughout the route, particularly in the Darien Gap—at the Colombia-Panama
border—and at Mexico’s southern border.After Nicaragua waived visa requirements for Cubans in late
2021, many Cubans now begin their journey there.
Speeches-
General Speakers List-
Honorable Chair and Distinguished delegates,
Cuba has taken many actions as well as measures to counter terrorism and extremism .Cuba has taken
many initiatives to counter terrorsism, such as being included in the U.S. State Department's list of
state sponsors of terrorism in the past and has had many acts to resolve these issues. It has supported
and endorsed various United Nations resolutions and initiatives aimed at preventing and countering
terrorism.Cuba has expressed support for UN initiatives related to preventing violent extremism also
known as PVE.Cuba has also consistently expressed its support for the UN Global Counter-Terrorism
Strategy,Some notable incidents regarding terrorism in Cuba, include the bombing of a Cubana
Airlines flight in 1976, which killed all 73 people on board, and a series of hotel bombings in the 1990s
targeting tourist areas.
Finance Related Speech-
Cuba is resolutely combatting terrorism and extremism through rigorous financial measures. This
includes Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) to block illicit
funds. Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) monitor and identify suspicious transactions. Cuba imposes
sanctions and asset freezes on those linked to these activities while enforcing "Know Your Customer"
(KYC) rules in financial institutions. International cooperation plays a pivotal role in sharing
information, with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) setting global standards. Preventive steps
encompass monitoring remittance systems and investigating nonprofits. Cuba is unwavering in its
commitment to global security and peace, employing financial tools to disrupt terrorism and
extremism effectively.
Solutions to counterterrorism-
Honorable chair and distinguished delegates,
Cuba is extremely dedicated in condemning acts of terrorism and extremism,Cuba has taken many
measures and actively taken part in initiatives to counter terrorism and extremism. Cuba joined one of
the anti-terrorism initiatives that has garnered the most international support,Cuba has consistently
expressed its support for the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy,Cuba also took part in the sixth
biennial review of the Strategy, on 26 and 27 June 2018; and in the United Nations High-level
Conference of Heads of Counter-Terrorism. Article 16(l) of the new Constitution of the Republic
reaffirms the long-standing position held by Cuba and establishes the rejection and condemnation of
terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including State terrorism, as a principle of its foreign
policy. Furthermore, Cuba suggests counties to draw attention to those who have already been affected
by terrorism as well as creating stricter legislation.Cuba also suggests increasing security in places such
as, tourist attractions, educational and religious institutes, entertainment venues, and large residential
and administrative buildings and implementing more border security to furthermore prevent
terrorism.
Thank you,
