Cuba denounces at the UN the serious humanitarian consequences of the US blockade
United Nations, New York, 14 October 2026. - Cuba’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, denounced the grave impact on the human rights of the Cuban population of the intensification of the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States against Cuba. He made the remarks during the interactive dialogue with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk in the Third Committee at the 81st session of the General Assembly.
In his speech, the Cuban diplomat acknowledged the genuine concern expressed by the High Commissioner about the consequences of that policy, which causes widespread harm to the population, endangers human lives and constitutes a flagrant, massive and systematic violation of human rights. Likewise, he appreciated the High Commissioner’s repeated calls to end this collective punishment, whose repercussions particularly affect the most vulnerable sectors of society.
Soberón Guzmán recalled that the High Commissioner himself had recognized, months earlier, the effects of the fuel restrictions imposed since early 2026 and the reinforcement of US extraterritorial measures. In this context, he denounced that the lack of essential medical supplies and medicines is causing the deaths of children in Cuba, while tens of thousands of patients have not been able to undergo surgery due to electricity shortages and limited medical resources.
The Permanent Representative stressed that the consequences of the blockade go beyond any political consideration and are reflected in concrete damage to the life and well-being of the Cuban population. He reaffirmed that Cuba will continue to denounce this policy, with the support of the UN system and the international community, and will continue to demand an end to the measures that hinder the full enjoyment of the human rights of its people.
Likewise, the Ambassador congratulated Volker Türk on his appointment to a second term and reiterated Cuba’s readiness to strengthen cooperation with United Nations human rights mechanisms on the basis of respectful and constructive dialogue on matters of mutual interest. He also reaffirmed his country’s support for the mandate of the High Commissioner and his Office, in accordance with General Assembly resolution 48/141.
Finally, Soberón Guzmán reaffirmed that, despite the difficult circumstances imposed by the intensification of the US blockade, Cuba will continue to work for the promotion and protection of all human rights and will continue to denounce a policy that violates fundamental rights and endangers the lives of its people.
(Cubaminrex-CubanMission to UN)
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