In the framework of the 9th Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), held in the Republic of Honduras, the region’s leaders expressed their strong support for the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in the face of the economic sanctions imposed by the United States and the growing aggression against Venezuelan migrants.
Through a collective commitment, the heads of state reaffirmed the importance of Latin American unity as a fundamental pillar in the face of international adversity.
A Call for Sovereignty and Human Rights:
The President of the Republic of Honduras, Xiomara Castro Sarmiento, highlighted the struggle of the Venezuelan people, stating: «We recognize the rights of the Bolivarian people of Venezuela for their struggle for independence and sovereignty.»
In this regard, President Castro emphasized the need to prioritize peace and social justice over a neoliberal model that has undermined the economic foundations of numerous Latin American nations.
Referring to the repercussions of US interventionism, she emphasized: “Washington’s neoliberal model has destroyed our economies,” calling for integration and solidarity among the peoples of Latin America in these times of crisis.
Migration as a collective issue:
For his part, the President of the Republic of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, echoed the call for a collective solution to the migration crisis, warning about the dehumanization of migrants:
“Migrants are not criminals and should not arrive in chains,” he stated, adding that this oppressive approach must be rejected in favor of human dignity. Petro emphasized that cooperation and mutual aid are essential to address migration challenges, urging nations to unite behind a common agenda.
A Message of Hope from Mexico:
Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, President of the United Mexican States, also joined this voice of solidarity, affirming that migrants are heroes and heroines who sustain both Mexico and the US economy.
She strongly rejected sanctions that affect the well-being of people: «No to the blockade of Cuba. No to the blockade of Venezuela.»
The Importance of Regional Unity:
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez supported this call for unity, emphasizing: «Confronting migration with seclusion threatens regional peace.»
In his speech, he urged countries to speak with one voice in international forums to strengthen regional cooperation and solidarity.
Overcoming Challenges: The Vision of Brazil and Bolivia:
Luis Inácio Lula da Silva, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, emphasized that Latin America and the Caribbean are facing one of the most critical moments in their history, and that they must put aside their differences to unite in the face of interference from the great powers.
Along the same lines, Luis Alberto Arce Catacora, President of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, criticized the US protectionism that threatens the regional economy, suggesting that these measures will not resolve the crisis, but rather worsen it.
The 9th CELAC Summit reaffirmed the fundamental role of solidarity in creating a future where human rights and dignity are a priority. In the face of the adverse global context, Latin America stands as a beacon of hope and unity, seeking common paths that allow for fair and equitable development for all its peoples.
The struggle for sovereignty and social justice continues to be the banner that unites member countries in defending those most in need.
