The economic, commercial and financial blockade remains the central element that has defined the policy of the United States (U.S.) toward Cuba for more than six decades. It is an act of unilateral aggression, a permanent threat to the stability of the country and a massive, flagrant and systematic violation of the human rights of all Cubans.
From March 1, 2023 to February 29, 2024, the blockade caused damage and material losses to Cuba estimated at 5 billion 56.8 million dollars, which represents an increase of 189.8 million dollars over the figure reported in the previous report. The policy of maximum pressure implemented by President Donald Trump has been maintained by the administration of President Joseph Biden.
The restrictions and prohibitions already imposed on Cuba by the blockade have been aggravated by the arbitrary designation of Cuba on the unilateral list of state sponsors of terrorism. This measure has created serious difficulties for Cuba's operations in the banking- financial sector, international trade, the acquisition of sources of income and energy, access to credit, and the search for suppliers of goods and inputs essential for economic development.
Between January 2021 and February 2024, a total of 1064 actions were reported by foreign banks refusing to provide services to Cuban entities, including transfers for the purchase of food, medicine, fuel, spare parts for the national energy system, and essential consumer goods for the population.
In early 2024, five Special Procedures mandate holders of the UN Human Rights Council urged the United States to review its framework of targeted sanctions against countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism, including Cuba, arguing that unilaterally shaping of the list undermines human rights and is contrary to international law. They reaffirmed that fundamental human rights, including the right to food, the right to health, the right to education, economic and social rights, the right to life, and the right to development, are negatively affected by the restrictions and prohibitions derived from the designation.
The blockade does not distinguish between segments of society or economic actors. Its central objective is to deteriorate the standard of living of the population, to provoke dissatisfaction, desperation and irritation, as a means to bring about a change in the constitutional order legitimately established in Cuba.
At current prices, the accumulated damage of more than six decades of application of this policy amounts to 164,141.1 billion dollars. Taking into account the behavior of the dollar in relation to the value of gold on the international market, the blockade has caused quantifiable damages of more than 1,499,710 million dollars. No other people has had to undertake a social and development project under such conditions, with such systematic and prolonged hostility on the part of the world's greatest power.
On October 29 and 30, the United Nations General Assembly will consider and vote on the draft resolution “Necessity of ending the economic, financial and commercial embargo of the United States of America against Cuba”. Once again, the international community will raise its voice and overwhelmingly reject this unjust, illegal and cruel policy.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations