United Nations human rights experts condemned Washington’s latest measures against Cuba and called on the US administration to lift the sanctions. The experts said the sanctions were deepening the country’s humanitarian crisis.
The expanded restrictions announced on July 23 and targeting Cuba’s energy sector have further hindered fuel imports at a time when the country is facing severe fuel shortages. Cuba recently experienced its third major nationwide power outage.
Warning over health care and basic necessities
The experts said the humanitarian consequences had developed into a broad crisis threatening the rights to health, life, food and development. Uncollected garbage has accumulated in some parts of Havana, increasing the risk of disease.
Repeated power outages have disrupted health services. United Nations agencies have also warned of food insecurity in Cuba, growing shortages of medicines and other basic products, and declining capacity for cancer treatment.
Call to lift the sanctions
The experts called on the international community and civil society organizations to act swiftly to prevent a “silent Gaza” from emerging in Cuba.
Arguing that US sanctions violate international law, the experts said the measures were part of a broader strategy aimed at changing Cuba’s political system.
The experts called on the US government to end threats and hostile actions against Cuba’s sovereignty. They also urged the United Nations Security Council and General Assembly to address the issue urgently.