UN Urges End to Cuba Embargo Amid Shortages

Cuba's Dire Shortages Spark UN Appeal

“Many families had no running water; hospitals operated under emergency conditions, classes at schools and...”

Cuba Grapples with Severe Food, Medicine, and Fuel Shortages; UN Calls for US Embargo Relief

The United Nations General Assembly has, for the 32nd time, called on the United States to lift its decades-long trade embargo against Cuba, with an overwhelming 187 countries approving the non-binding resolution. Only the US and Israel voted against it, while the Republic of Moldova abstained.

Cuba is currently grappling with its worst economic crisis in decades, resulting in severe shortages of essential resources like food, fuel, and medicine. This crisis has sparked widespread concern globally, with many viewing the embargo as a significant contributor to the island nation's struggles.

Background of the Embargo

The US embargo, in place since 1958, prohibits American businesses from engaging in trade or commerce with Cuban interests. This embargo was initially imposed during the Fulgencio Batista regime and has been extended and expanded several times.

International Response

The international community has consistently urged the US to reconsider the embargo, citing its detrimental impact on the Cuban people. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez has forcefully condemned the blockade, describing it as “commercial warfare” and a “crime of genocide.”

Humanitarian Impact

Critics argue that the embargo exacerbates food, water, and medicine shortages, affecting the most vulnerable Cubans. Internal US documents, such as a 1960 memo from Lester D. Mallory, reveal that the embargo aimed to ”bring about hunger, desperation and overthrow of government.”

Cuba's Foreign Affairs Minister, Bruno Eduardo Rodríguez Parrilla, passionately addressed the United Nations General Assembly, asking, “How long will this continue?” He emphasized that the body has been advocating for the end of the US-led embargo since 1992, urging, “Let Cuba live; let Cuba live in peace.” Parrilla vehemently condemned the blockade, calling it a “blatant, massive, and systematic violation” of the Cuban people's human rights.

Parrilla highlighted the embargo's far-reaching consequences, noting that it's the most extensive and enduring system of unilateral coercive measures imposed on any nation. Initially established after Fidel Castro's 1960 revolution, the trade embargo has remained largely intact despite some relaxations by former President Barack Obama, which were later reversed by President Donald Trump. These restrictions limit fuel and spare parts for Cuba's power plants and electrical grid.

The complex network of US laws and regulations severely hampers Cuba's ability to conduct financial transactions and procure essential goods and services. Parrilla cited the devastating impact of the embargo, pointing to widespread power outages from October 18 to 23, during which Cuban families had electricity for only a few hours. This dire situation underscores the urgent need for international cooperation to end the embargo.

“Many families had no running water; hospitals operated under emergency conditions, classes at schools and universities were suspended, and businesses halted their activities,” he stated.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla asserted that the United States government is fully aware of the devastating impact its policy has on Cuba's healthcare system, including “the consequences of incomplete treatments, delayed treatments and postponed surgeries.”  This statement came amidst the United Nations General Assembly's overwhelming adoption of a resolution calling for the end of the US economic, commercial, and financial embargo against Cuba.

The US representative countered Parrilla's assertions, justifying their vote against the resolution by stating, “The United States stands with the Cuban people.” They highlighted Cuba's human rights issues, noting that approximately 1,000 unjustly detained political prisoners are currently imprisoned, with nearly 700 detentions linked to the historic July 11, 2021 protests. These individuals allegedly suffered horrific jail conditions for exercising their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

The UN resolution reaffirmed key principles, including:

Sovereign Equality: States' equal rights and self-determination

Non-Intervention: Refraining from interfering in internal matters

Freedom of Trade and Navigation: Unrestricted international commerce and navigation 

The Assembly urged countries to avoid enforcing restrictive laws and measures, aligning with UN Charter obligations and international law. Specifically, they called for the repeal or nullification of such laws, emphasizing trade and navigation freedom.