“THE GOVERNMENT OF CUBA SHOULD RECEIVE OUR FULL SUPPORT”
“Gabon notes with great concern the continued deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Cuba, resulting from the persistence and intensification of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed on the country for over 60 years. These restrictive measures directly target essential sectors—such as energy—and hinder the daily lives of a population already severely affected by recent weather events and natural disasters.”
“The Government of Cuba should receive our full support,” the delegation stated.
It further emphasized that the impact of these unilateral coercive measures “is disproportionate. No population should have to face such obstacles in accessing basic necessities or pursuing development, nor should it be excluded from international financial mechanisms.”
The delegation acknowledged Cuba’s historic contribution to South-South cooperation—most notably through its internationally recognized medical solidarity, which has helped save millions of lives worldwide, particularly in developing nations.
The Gabonese delegation reiterated its “solemn call for the complete and unconditional lifting of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed on this friendly nation, Cuba.”
“We express our hope that the people of Cuba may participate freely and fully in all international exchanges, in order to build a future of prosperity and shared dignity.”
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"CHILE WILL ALWAYS STAND ON THE SIDE OF FREEDOMS"
Chile reiterated its opposition to unilateral economic, commercial, and financial measures against Cuba, while also calling for consideration of the internal factors that, in the representative’s view, contribute to the difficulties faced by Cuban families.
In his remarks, the Chilean representative stated that his country believes in free trade as a driver of development and well-being, as well as in a rules-based international order. He noted that the United Nations Charter entrusts the Security Council alone with the responsibility of determining when and how the international community adopts coercive measures, emphasizing that this "is not a mere technicality, but rather a guarantee that decisions affecting entire populations are made by a single, legitimate authority."
For this reason, he affirmed that Chile "has not supported, and does not support, unilateral economic, commercial, and financial measures," and warned that broad-reaching measures of this kind "ultimately fall upon the most vulnerable members of the civilian population."
"Chile will always stand on the side of freedoms, human rights, and full respect for international law," he concluded.
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SOUTH AFRICA DENOUNCES THE IMPACT OF THE OIL FIELD AGAINST CUBA
South Africa denounced before the United Nations General Assembly the consequences of the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States against Cuba, particularly the restrictions on the supply of oil and its effects on Health services and the operation of hospitals.
The South African representative warned that, just four months after the previous debate on the issue, the situation on the Island "far from improving, it has worsened", due to US measures, which make it difficult to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and especially affect the most vulnerable sectors.
During its intervention, South Africa supported the positions expressed by the African Group, the Non-Aligned Movement and the Group of 77 and China.
Likewise, he demanded the resumption of talks between Havana and Washington, the lifting of the blockade, including Executive Order 14380, the exclusion of Cuba from the US list of State sponsors of terrorism and the cessation of the application of the Helms-Burton Act.
The South African delegation also reaffirmed the historical ties of friendship and solidarity with Cuba, as well as its defense of multilateralism, international law and the sovereignty of States to decide their own development.
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LAOS: NO COUNTRY SHOULD BE DEPRIVED OF THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE ITS OWN DEVELOPMENT
The Lao People's Democratic Republic called before the United Nations General Assembly for the immediate lifting of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States against Cuba, as well as the removal of the island from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism.
During his remarks, the representative reiterated his country’s opposition to unilateral coercive measures, deeming them contrary to the United Nations Charter and international law.
The diplomat noted that the blockade, which has persisted for more than six decades, has caused serious socioeconomic consequences and difficulties in the supply of energy, food, and medicine, directly affecting the Cuban population.
Furthermore, he defended the right of every nation to choose its own development model without external interference, and maintained that respect for sovereignty and self-determination must prevail in international relations.
Laos reaffirmed its support for the draft resolution calling for an end to the U.S. blockade and advocated for constructive dialogue, based on mutual respect, as a means to resolve differences between states.
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COERCIVE MEASURES ARE AN INSTRUMENT FOR POLITICAL PUNISHMENT
Malaysia also expressed its deep concern regarding the increasing restrictions on fuel supplies and financial transactions in Cuba, as well as their extraterritorial application against third countries and entities that maintain legitimate economic relations with the island.
Speaking during the debate on the Cuban draft resolution against the blockade, the Malaysian delegation emphasized that, beyond the economic impact, "the humanitarian consequences for the Cuban people are becoming increasingly alarming."
It cited UNICEF and the World Food Programme, which warn that banking restrictions and limited shipping options create supply difficulties and drive up the costs of acquiring and processing products, thereby reducing the availability of goods for vulnerable communities.
Fuel shortages and power outages, it noted, disrupt water supplies, food production, healthcare, and sanitation.
"The impact also extends to education. UNESCO has pointed out that fuel shortages hinder the transport of students and teachers, while power outages—which can last up to 20 hours a day—impede learning."
"Basic services in schools, including food and water, have been affected. For children with disabilities, the lack of assistive devices and access to specialized transport presents additional obstacles," it stated.
Malaysia reaffirmed its long-standing position and its support for the annual resolution titled "Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba," and called for an immediate and unconditional lifting of the blockade.
The unilateral coercive measures applied by the United States, it argued, are "an instrument for political punishment" that imposes an additional burden on access to medicine, energy, and the most basic services. For this reason, he called for these actions to be rectified and for progress to be made toward a peaceful resolution through dialogue, in accordance with the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter.
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TIMOR-LESTE REITERATES LONG-STANDING SUPPORT FOR ENDING THE BLOCKADE
Timor-Leste highlighted that it values its long-standing friendship with Cuba and its solidarity with the country, including support in the areas of health, education, and human resource development.
It joined other delegations in expressing concern regarding the serious consequences of prolonged unilateral coercive measures. The delegation from this Asian nation reiterated that respect for the sovereignty of states goes hand in hand with respect for the dignity, well-being, and aspirations of their peoples.
"In this regard, we believe that the humanitarian consequences of measures affecting the civilian population must be carefully examined by the international community."
"Timor-Leste reaffirms its long-standing support for an end to the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed against Cuba. Our position is rooted in the principles of the United Nations Charter, and we hope that dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding will prevail."
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GEOGRAPHIC PROXIMITY SHOULD BE A BRIDGE FOR COOPERATION
"For three decades, the General Assembly has repeatedly called for an end to the economic, financial, and commercial blockade against Cuba," the Angolan delegation noted.
The African nation reiterated its support for the island and expressed deep concern regarding the socioeconomic and humanitarian consequences of the blockade—particularly its impact on access to basic supplies, medicine, energy, and technology, as well as development opportunities.
"These restrictions also undermine Cuba’s efforts toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and hinder legitimate trade and cooperation," the delegation stated.
The Angolan representative recalled the words of their president during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly last September: "The blockade is the primary cause of the dire situation facing Cuba and its people—an inhumane and unjust state of affairs that runs counter to the principles and norms of international law. We call, once again, for an end to the blockade against Cuba."
For Angola—the delegation affirmed—this stance also reflects a profound historical responsibility. "We will always remember Cuba’s contribution to the liberation of Southern Africa, especially its role in the New York Accords of December 22, 1988, as well as its contributions to the independence of Namibia and the dismantling of apartheid in South Africa."
"We also remain deeply mindful of Cuba’s long-standing solidarity in the fields of health, education, and human development, which has benefited countless communities across Africa. We reaffirm our opposition to the blockade, as well as our support for removing Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism."
"We believe the international community must look beyond political differences and seek practical solutions." "Geographical proximity should serve as a bridge for cooperation, rather than a source of confrontation."
Angola encouraged the United States and Cuba to resume a constructive and direct political dialogue in order to normalize bilateral relations, guided by the principles of sovereign equality, mutual respect, non-interference, and the recognition of legitimate national concerns.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------"THE PRESSURE AGAINST CUBA IS A CASE OF NEOCOLONIAL OPPRESSION"
The Russian Federation joined the statement issued by the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations and, speaking in its national capacity, added: "Today, the international community has gathered once again to state its position regarding a situation in which a state with far greater power restricts the arrival of food, supplies, medicine, and fuel in another country."
The Russian representative noted that many states have been victims of external pressure, "but this cannot change the position of the international community," he affirmed.
The illicit economic, financial, and commercial blockade imposed on Cuba by the United States for more than 60 years has reached unprecedented levels of economic and military pressure—exacerbated by a blockade on fuel—which, he asserted, "is intended to break the Cuban people."
Russia reported that vessels carrying essential energy resources for the island are being intercepted in neutral waters, a situation that has had an impact on the daily lives of the Cuban population.
The United States appears not to realize the depth of the crisis into which it has plunged Cuba, he stated.
"The extraterritorial sanctions imposed by the United States isolate Cuba from exchange mechanisms, which in turn affects the sovereignty of third countries. This runs counter to established rules and causes harm to the global economy," he pointed out.
Russia denounced that, in addition to the arsenal of tools the United States uses to exert pressure on Cuba—including economic strangulation, threats of military intervention, psychological warfare, isolation, and sanctions—there is now an illegitimate arrest warrant issued by a Florida magistrate against Army General Raúl Castro Ruz.
"This demonstrates how the pressure against Cuba is a case of neocolonial oppression. The goal is to bring about a collapse and a change of government," he maintained. In this regard, it was emphasized that "it is categorically unacceptable to punish an entire people and to turn such punishment into state policy—punishing them simply because they have made a sovereign choice regarding their own development."
"The claims made by the U.S. establishment—suggesting that the authorities [in Cuba] are unable to manage their own borders—are pure cynicism," it was stressed.
"Could any country sustain its socioeconomic situation when resources, investment, and financial transactions are blocked, when it is deprived of vital necessities—such as access to energy—or when the importation of food is prohibited?" it was asked.
Despite the unprecedented pressure it faces, Cuba remains committed to defending its independence and sovereignty, as well as maintaining the independence of its foreign policy, it was noted.
In this context, Russia highlighted that Cuba participates respectfully in international relations, faithfully fulfills its international legal obligations, and contributes to the resolution of conflicts and the pursuit of peaceful negotiations. The achievements of the Cuban people in the fields of healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, and sports have been recognized internationally.
"One cannot help but wonder: what other achievements might have been reached, and what level of well-being might the people enjoy, had their development not been deliberately stifled from the outside for all this time? How many lives have been lost? How many initiatives failed to come to fruition because of these artificially created obstacles?" it was stated.
The Russian delegation expressed its unwavering solidarity with the brave and indomitable people of Cuba, guided by the principles of the United Nations Charter and mindful of the inadmissibility of any form of discrimination or interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states. "Russia, along with the overwhelming majority of the international community, repudiates Washington’s unilateral and unlawful restrictive measures against Havana."
It also called for the lifting of the commercial, economic, and financial blockade against Cuba, and for an end to the economic pressure and collective punishment of its people. It further urged that the "Island of Freedom" be removed from the list of what are termed "state sponsors of terrorism." "We support the draft resolution and urge all delegations to do the same," the country stated.
After more than 60 years of strict enforcement, the purpose of the blockade remains the same: to destroy the Cuban Revolution. To this end, shortages are fostered, the social and productive fabric of Cuba is undermined, and attempts are made to isolate the country—all with the hope that the Cuban people will abandon their resolve to determine their own destiny.
Over the past year, the U.S. government has intensified its efforts to completely suffocate and isolate the Cuban Revolution. As tools of "maximum pressure," the U.S. has imposed an energy blockade on Cuba, alongside an exhaustive scheme of secondary sanctions targeting any entity from third countries that maintains investments or commercial ties with Cuban entities.
This is compounded by the dire consequences of Cuba’s inclusion—unjustifiable, unilateral, arbitrary, and fraudulent—on the U.S. State Department’s list of "state sponsors of terrorism and the application of the Helms-Burton Act.
An additional element in this escalation of U.S. aggression has been the dangerous and irresponsible use of increasingly threatening rhetoric directed against Cuba’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
SNAPSHOT OF CUBA TODAY
On January 29, 2026, the U.S. blockade was reinforced in an unprecedented manner with the formalization of an energy embargo against Cuba. This energy embargo—along with other measures that have intensified the blockade to an extreme degree—constitutes an act of genocide, which also qualifies as collective punishment against the Cuban population. It represents a grave violation of international law and international human rights law, and even constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law, despite the absence of a state of conventional war between the United States and Cuba.
• In the first half of 2026, only one tanker from the Russian Federation arrived on the Cuban coast—as humanitarian aid—carrying 100,000 tons of crude oil.
• By the end of May 2026, the country’s available fuel supply was 2,667,800 tons short of the planned amount.
• Many communities across the country have experienced power outages lasting more than 30 consecutive hours.
• The Cuban electrical grid has approximately 1,400 MW of available capacity that is not being used to generate electricity due to a lack of fuel.
• Power generation using diesel engines operated at 18.5 percent of capacity, resulting in a shortfall of 338.3 GWh from this technology.
• Power generation using heavy fuel oil (HFO) engines reached only 14.5 percent of the projected output, with a shortfall of 644.5 GWh.
• In the economic sector, only 54.6 percent of the planned electricity supply—which was already facing a deficit—could be delivered.
• In the residential sector, 83 percent of the planned supply was met, which translates to an average of more than 20 hours of power outages nationwide.
• Restrictions imposed on Cuba prevented the execution of partial, extended, and major maintenance for the country’s thermal power units; consequently, 11 of the 15 existing units remain outside the major maintenance cycle.
QUANTIFICATION BY SECTOR
Period: March 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026
Tourism: $2,093,914,700
Food production: $848,088,919
Electric power sector: $802,352,780
Culture: $435,523,400
Health: $367,303,500
Transport: $202,010,740
Telecommunications: $135,427,300
Biotechnology: $134,378,690
Education: $98,006,500
Sports: $36,271,620
EFFECTS RESULTING FROM THE APPLICATION OF THE HELMS-BURTON ACT AND THE INCLUSION OF CUBA ON THE LIST OF STATE SPONSORS OF TERRORISM
• Between 2019 and March 2026, 46 lawsuits have been filed under Title III of the Helms-Burton Act, 24 of which remain ongoing.
• The primary sectors targeted include tourism, shipping, mining, construction, fuel supply and distribution, airlines, and agriculture; the companies named in the lawsuits are of U.S. nationality.
• Between March 2025 and February 2026, 34 international banking institutions suspended or refused to conduct transactions involving Cuba due to the fear of secondary sanctions, closing accounts or rejecting transfers intended for the purchase of food, medicine, and fuel.
• The Cuban economy lost traditional suppliers due to the risk of facing sanctions.
• Interest rate surcharges have been imposed as a result of the country-risk classification applied to Cuba.
• Access to financing for domestic banks and business entities continued to decline compared to previous periods, as evidenced by a reduction in production and services within Cuba.
• Cuba has been forced to incur significant additional costs to acquire essential supplies.
• There were instances where payments to Cuban hosts on accommodation platforms were suspended; email services provided to Cuban businesses by companies linked to U.S. firms were interrupted; and accounts belonging to solidarity campaigns—which were raising funds for donations—were closed.
• Cuban diplomatic missions faced serious difficulties with banking institutions that had traditionally provided them with services; this impacted their operations and sustenance, including the processing of payments for consular services.
• The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has continued to impose fines on companies that conduct business with Cuba.
• Citizens of countries eligible for the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) program have been denied such authorization if they have previously visited the island.
• The Office of the Historian of Havana reports a notable decline in private-sector investment within areas prioritized for restoration—a trend driven by the downturn in tourism—which has resulted in lower levels of economic activity in the city’s heritage districts.
DIRECT CONSEQUENCES FOR QUALITY OF LIFE AND HUMAN RIGHTS
• Infant mortality in Cuba rose from 4 per 1,000 live births in 2018 to 9.9 in 2025, representing an increase of 148%.
• Of the 395 medications that Cuba produces as part of its basic health formulary, 300 are currently unavailable due to difficulties in accessing raw materials and pharmaceutical inputs.
• There is a persistent difficulty in acquiring medical technology of U.S. origin—or equipment containing more than 10% U.S.-made components—which necessitates the use of intermediaries and leads to a substantial increase in costs.
• In the field of oncology, the acquisition of several innovative cancer treatments produced by U.S. pharmaceutical companies—specifically Pemetrexed, Palbociclib, Vedotin, Pembrolizumab, and Nivolumab—remains severely hindered.
• In gastroenterology and nephrology services, it is impossible to procure digestive endoscopy systems from the Japanese firm Olympus; due to issues surrounding payment and the threat of sanctions, the price quoted to Cuba is ten times higher than that offered to other Latin American countries, and the company also refuses to provide maintenance for existing equipment.
• In the field of nephrology, companies such as Baxter Healthcare and distributors like Vitalmex Interamericana SA refuse to conduct business with Cuba, explicitly citing the blockade.
• Vital pediatric medical devices—such as the HeartMate 3, as well as the PediMag and CentriMag cardiac pumps manufactured in the U.S. by Abbott—are inaccessible to Cuban children.
• In 2025, the medical evaluation of 140 patients was compromised due to a shortage of phytohemagglutinin—a reagent produced by the U.S. firm Sigma-Aldrich—which is necessary for the laboratory test known as a postnatal karyotype.
• For the past five academic years, only two of the 16 audiometers available across the provinces have been operational. This has hindered auditory stimulation for 297 students in special education schools and 803 students in mainstream educational settings.
• The tightening of the blockade has prevented the acquisition of behind-the-ear hearing aids and cochlear implants, which are essential for these students.
• There is a significant deterioration of Braille (Perkins) machines; 21 of these units are beyond repair within the country. A total of 63 such machines are needed, affecting 126 blind students.
• The construction sector has experienced a sharp contraction. In 2025, the national cement industry recorded its second-lowest physical production volume since the triumph of the Revolution in 1959.
• In 2025, the national road infrastructure program was only 43% implemented; the airport repair program reached 58%; the water resources program, 64%; and the housing program, 53%.
• Passenger transport in Havana is currently being handled by just over 100 buses, whereas a minimum of 3,000 are required to provide quality service.
• The highly limited allocation of approximately 40,000 tons of fuel earmarked for passenger transport over the last year was only met at about 65% of the intended amount.
• Cuban artists have been prevented from participating in cultural exchange programs sponsored by U.S. entities.
• Challenges have increased regarding investments and the procurement of essential supplies for the national agricultural sector. For instance, the rice program in Cuba yielded only 1.9 tonnes per hectare in 2025. This figure is 2.31 tonnes per hectare lower than the 4.21 tonnes per hectare yield achieved for this crop in 2018—prior to the tightening of the blockade.
Source: Report "Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States of America against Cuba"
NICARAGUA CONDEMNS U.S. BLOCKADE AGAINST CUBA AT THE UN
Nicaragua’s representative to the United Nations reaffirmed his country’s opposition to the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States against Cuba, describing it as a policy of economic strangulation and a permanent act of aggression against the island’s people.
During his address to the General Assembly, he denounced the policy as a violation of international norms that disregards the will repeatedly expressed by the majority of member states.
The diplomat also questioned the conduct of international organizations regarding the persistence and intensification of U.S. measures, the effects of which, he argued, infringe upon the human rights of the Cuban population.
Furthermore, he highlighted Cuba’s ability to sustain its cultural and scientific development and share its progress with other nations, despite the economic challenges it faces.
The Nicaraguan representative confirmed that his country will vote in favor of the resolution calling for an end to the blockade, and urged the United Nations to uphold the principles upon which the organization was founded.
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CUBA REJECTS U.S. ACCUSATIONS AT THE UNITED NATIONS
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla responded this Tuesday to accusations made by the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, during a General Assembly debate on a draft resolution calling for an end to the economic, commercial, and financial blockade against the island.
In his remarks, Waltz baselessly blamed the Cuban authorities for the economic hardships faced by the population and denied the existence of the blockade imposed by his government against the island.
Furthermore, he questioned Cuba’s international medical cooperation and leveled accusations regarding the fate of humanitarian aid sent by the United States.
In response to these statements, Rodríguez Parrilla raised a point of order, calling on the President of the General Assembly to bring the U.S. diplomat to order for the insults directed at the Cuban delegation.
"The United States not only lies in a crude and arrogant manner; it also shows a lack of respect for the dignity of member states, exerts pressure, and offends the dignity of the people and government of Cuba," the Foreign Minister stated.
The head of Cuban diplomacy rejected Washington’s arguments and denounced the pressure exerted on other member states in the context of the vote on the resolution against the blockade.
Rodríguez Parrilla also demanded that U.S. citizens be allowed to travel freely to Cuba, in response to Waltz’s references to the island’s tourist destinations.
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CUBA POSES NO THREAT TO ANY COUNTRY
Unilateral coercive measures against Cuba have the "clear objective of demonstrably worsening living conditions and limiting or restricting access to essential daily supplies, including energy resources," stated the representative of the Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations.
The group highlighted the severity of the energy crisis currently afflicting the island. Cuba has received only one cargo ship carrying crude oil, while the population faces prolonged blackouts. According to a report by the Secretary-General, the impact on healthcare is "very pronounced": the survival rate for children with cancer has fallen from 85% to 65%, and there are reports of complications affecting maternal and infant health, as well as newborns.
The situation affects 30,000 children in need of vaccinations, thousands of patients who depend on hemodialysis, and thousands of women requiring prenatal care, the representative noted.
Furthermore, it was reported that 7,000 containers—holding food, supplies for energy programs, water treatment materials, and medication—remain stranded due to these measures.
The delegation also rejected the campaign launched to discredit Cuba’s international medical cooperation and to pressure recipient governments—particularly those in developing nations—by "denigrating the work performed by these doctors," as was the case during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The delegation expressed its "profound gratitude and recognition" for the Cuban healthcare professionals who have provided high-quality care to millions of people worldwide, and rejected any attempt to interfere with this cooperation for political reasons. Regarding the inclusion of Cuba on the unilateral list of countries allegedly sponsoring terrorism, the delegation described the designation as "misleading" and nonsensical, and supported its removal—as indicated by the Secretary-General in his report. This designation, it noted, has imposed further restrictions on the country, discouraging the shipment of goods by sea and affecting banking transactions.
The Group of Friends in Defense of the Charter of the United Nations reaffirmed its commitment to the full implementation and defense of the principles and purposes enshrined in the Charter, including the sovereign equality of States, the prohibition of the use or threat of force, non-interference in internal affairs, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and the right to self-determination.
"Cuba cannot pose a threat to any country. It has always advocated for peaceful coexistence and for sovereign equality," the delegation concluded, warning that those who threaten Cuba seem not to understand that "there is no other option but dialogue.
