Brasilia, December 8 (RHC)-- Cuba highlighted its achievements in education, health and other sectors for the country's Black population, despite the U.S.-imposed blockade, during a United Nations meeting on Afro-descendants that took place in the Brazilian capital.

The meeting focused on three main topics: political participation, recognition of cultural values, justice and development. The aim of the meeting was to foment collaboration between experts, civil society and the state on these issues.

Deputy President of Cuba's National Association of Writers and Artists (UNEAC) Pedro de la Hoz emphasized the role of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in the political recognition of African descendants.

The regional organization and the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights have jointly proclaimed 2015 to 2024 the World Decade for People of African Descent.

According to the United Nations, almost 200 million people in the Americas identify themselves as African descendants, representing between 20 and 30 percent of the regional population.