Salvador, March 16 (RHC)-- Social movements and trade unions participating in the 13th edition of the World Social Forum (WSF) have demanded an end to the more than five-decade long economic, financial and commercial blockade imposed on Cuba by the United States government.

Gathered at an event held in the city of Salvador, Brazil, participants also insisted that the territory encompassing the U.S. military base on Guantanamo be returned to the people of Cuba.

United behind this year's World Social Forum slogan: "Resist is create, resist is transform," attendees reiterated the importance of international solidarity and support "for the struggle of the Cuban people" against the blockade.

Yarisleidis Medina, a delegate with the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), thanked demonstrators for their support and provided updates concerning the current state of U.S.-Cuba relations and setbacks under the Trump Administration.

This year's World Social Forum, which runs through Saturday, March 17, is debating new alternatives and strategies to confront neoliberal free-market policies, anti-democratic coups and genocide.

The event has attracted 60,000 people from 120 countries.