South African Ambassador Yvonne Nkwenkwezi Phosa delivers the eulogy to Mandela.   Photo: UN Cuba.

Havana, August 2 (RHC)-- On the 105th anniversary of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela's birth, a home for children without family shelter in the municipality of Playa, Havana, commemorated his legacy in an event sponsored by the South African Embassy in Cuba, with the participation of multiple national institutions, members of the diplomatic corps and a representation of the United Nations System in the country.

Since 2009, the United Nations celebrates every July 18, date of birth of the South African leader, as Nelson Mandela International Day. The commemoration has become an opportunity to commemorate globally Mandela's struggle for non-racial, non-sexist societies based on equal rights.

In the context of the 10th anniversary of Mandela's physical disappearance, the South African Embassy organized this time a day from the 18th itself, with a 5-kilometer walk/run, and culminated this Monday with a meeting in the house No.15 for children without family shelter, remodeled in recent days with the support of the Embassy itself.

"What made Nelson Mandela so special, and what can we learn from his example (...) What was it about him that made him able to break down barriers, turn enemies into friends and make everyone feel worthy and loved? - asked South African Ambassador to Cuba, Yvonne Nkwenkwezi Phosa, who dedicated words of praise to the historic statesman and highlighted his perseverance, resilience and commitment to the challenges of his time, as a permanent investment in a better future for the people.

The struggle for inclusion and justice of the South African leader were also highlighted by Marisol Alfonso, Head of the UNFPA Office in Cuba, on behalf of the United Nations System. Alfonso considered that the work of her organization for equity and justice is, in a way, heir to Mandela's spirit and mentioned the accompaniment to the Code of Families, and other key policies against all forms of stigma and discrimination as examples of the UN's commitment to the aspiration of the 2030 Agenda to leave no one behind.

Officials from the Ministry of Education, Inder and other organizations involved in the commemoration also participated in the event.

In the resolution for Nelson Mandela International Day, the UN recognizes the role of the statesman in favor of conflict resolution, race relations, protection of human rights, and the promotion of a culture of peace in the world.