UN General Assembly Debates on US Blockade Against Cuba

This event marks the thirty-second time the impact of the blockade has been evaluated, which has caused significant economic losses to the island, estimated at over five billion dollars in the past year. Oct 29, 2024 Photo: @BrunoRguezP

October 29, 2024 Hour: 6:05 pm

The UN General Assembly executed its debate cycle on the US embargo against Cuba, where numerous countries have expressed their rejection and demanded the immediate cessation of this policy. This event marks the thirty-second time the impact of the blockade has been evaluated, which has caused significant economic losses to the island, estimated at over five billion dollars in the past year.

The resolution to end the embargo was supported by 187 countries, while only the United States and Israel voted against it, with Ukraine abstaining. Representatives from various international organizations, such as the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), have voiced their support for lifting the embargo.

They highlighted that this measure affects more than 80% of the Cuban population, leading many leaders to label it as an act of economic warfare that undermines human rights and sustainable development in Cuba.

The delegation from Grenada, representing CARICOM, emphasized that the imposed measures lack legitimate justification and undermine the principles of multilateralism. Additionally, the collapse of the electrical system in Cuba was mentioned as a direct consequence of the embargo, underscoring its negative impact on the daily lives of Cubans.

The permanent representative of Chad, speaking on behalf of the African Group, also expressed concern over Cuba’s inclusion on the US list of state sponsors of terrorism. This inclusion is viewed as an obstacle to sustainable development and contradicts global efforts toward the 2030 Agenda.

The Group of 77 and China condemned the extraterritorial application of the embargo, arguing that this regulation not only restricts trade transactions with Cuba but also affects its international reputation. A call was made for the United States to remove Cuba from its list of countries considered terrorists.

The Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) reiterated its support for Cuba and criticized US sanctions for hindering the country’s development. CELAC also rejected the Helms-Burton Act and its extraterritorial implications, urging for dialogue based on mutual respect and sovereignty.

The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) reaffirmed its support for Cuba and denounced unilateral coercive measures as contrary to international law. This bloc emphasized that the tightening of the blockade harms Cuba’s efforts to meet Sustainable Development Goals.

Representing ASEAN, Singapore expressed firm support for the resolution seeking to end the embargo. Since 1992, the General Assembly has adopted similar resolutions with a majority backing, reflecting international commitment to principles of sovereign equality and non-intervention.

Finally, it was concluded that the blockade is viewed as an anachronistic and unjustified measure by much of the world. The international community continues to call for its elimination, considering this action urgent to improve socio-economic conditions in Cuba and respect its sovereignty.