It is known worldwide that the Republic of Cuba has suffered immense hardship as a result of
the economic, commercial, and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America
for nearly six decades.
For the past 30 years, Cuba has consistently presented resolutions before the United Nations
General Assembly calling for the lifting of this unjust embargo. Each year, the international
community has overwhelmingly supported Cuba’s appeal.
In 2024, the resolution calling for an end to the U.S. embargo was approved by 187 members
states. Only the United States and Israel voted against the resolution, while Moldova
abstained. This result once again demonstrated the global rejection of the U.S. blockade and
represented a clear diplomatic setback for a nation that claims to act as the “world’s
policeman.”
Despite this, it has come to light that the United States—disregarding humanitarian
principles—is now attempting to undermine the upcoming vote on the Cuban resolution
scheduled for October 28–29. Reports indicate that the U.S. government has begun spreading
false and defamatory information about Cuba, targeting countries expected to support the
resolution. Furthermore, the U.S. is allegedly exerting pressure and intimidation on certain
member states to dissuade them from voting in favor of Cuba.
We strongly urge all United Nations member states to stand firm and support the Cuban
resolution without yielding to these coercive tactics. Let us act with compassion, justice, and
respect for human dignity—values that make our shared planet a better place for all.
To better understand the human cost of the U.S. embargo, we draw attention to the following
examples of economic loss suffered by Cuba:
1. Four months of sanctions result in losses equivalent to USD 2,850 million, the
amount required to purchase all buses needed for Cuba’s public transportation system.
2. Two months of sanctions equal USD 1,600 million, the cost of fuel needed to meet
the country’s regular electricity demand — or the amount required to provide the
annual rationed food basket for all Cuban families.
3. Sixteen days of sanctions equate to USD 339 million, enough to cover the nation’s
essential medicines for one year.
4. Fourteen days of sanctions amount to USD 300 million, sufficient to increase
renewable energy sources in Cuba’s power grid from 24% to 26%.
5. Twelve days of sanctions equal USD 250 million, the cost of maintaining the
National Power Generation System for one year (excluding fuel and investment costs).
6. Six days of sanctions correspond to USD 129 million, the funds needed to import
essential medical consumables such as cotton, gauze, syringes, needles, catheters, and
IV equipment.
7. Twenty-one hours of sanctions cause losses equivalent to USD 18.13 million,
enough to replace outdated technological resources in Cuba’s educational institutions.
These figures highlight the grave humanitarian and developmental impact of the embargo on
Cuba’s health, education, energy, and transportation systems.
We call upon the international community to stand with Cuba in this just cause and reaffirm
the principles of fairness, solidarity, and respect for international law.
Dr. Wasantha Bandara
General Secretary
Patriotic National Movement
27th of October 2025