Independent human rights experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council have expressed deep concern over the United States’ decision to re-list Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism (SSOT), according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

“We deeply regret this recent decision, which constitutes a step backward not only for bilateral relations between these two countries, but more importantly, for human rights and the well-being of the people in Cuba,” the document states.

According to the experts, this designation has increased Cuba’s isolation and exacerbated uncertainty and fear among those interested in maintaining relations with the Caribbean nation.

The efforts of the national authorities to respond to the adverse effects of the prolonged US embargo, the severe disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and natural disasters have also been undermined, the statement adds.

“We call on the US government to refrain from actions that undermine multilateralism and the UN Charter, to end the practice of SSOT designations, and to fully comply with its international human rights obligations, even extraterritorially,” the experts said.

They reiterated the call to remove Cuba from the list and to end all unilateral coercive measures against the island.

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