https://kenyanforeignpolicy.com/kenya-backs-cuba-in-un-vote-on-us-embargo/
Kenya has reaffirmed its longstanding support for Cuba at the United Nations, voting against a United States procedural motion that sought to halt further debate on the decades-old American embargo on Havana.
The vote paved the way for the UN General Assembly to hold a special debate on Tuesday, at Cuba’s request, to examine the humanitarian and economic impact of the sanctions.
A total of 136 countries voted in favour of holding the debate, while nine opposed the motion and 30 abstained, underscoring broad international support for continued scrutiny of the embargo despite longstanding US opposition.
During the session, Cuba outlined what it described as the worsening impact of Washington’s economic, trade and financial restrictions, arguing that tighter sanctions have severely disrupted fuel supplies and deepened the country’s economic hardship.
Havana accused the United States of imposing measures that amount to collective punishment, violate international humanitarian law and infringe on the human rights of the Cuban people.
The debate comes months after the US administration expanded pressure on the island by imposing sanctions on countries that supply fuel to Cuba, which relies heavily on imported petroleum to sustain its economy.
For Kenya, the vote reflects a consistent foreign policy position.
For decades, Nairobi has joined the overwhelming majority of UN member states in opposing the unilateral embargo, arguing that disputes should be resolved through dialogue rather than economic coercion.
The annual debate remains one of the United Nations’ longest-running diplomatic divides, pitting Washington against an overwhelming majority of member states that view the embargo as inconsistent with the principles of the UN Charter and international law.