Geneva, April 10, 2026 – Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Anayansi Rodríguez Camejo led the event "Humanitarian Impact of Unilateral Coercive Measures: The Economic Blockade Against Cuba" today at the Palais des Nations in this Swiss city, within the framework of the Conference on Humanitarian Action, Reparation and Accountability in the Context of Unilateral Sanctions.
The exchange, moderated by the Cuban Ambassador in Geneva, Rodolfo Benítez Verson, took place in a packed room, with the participation of numerous countries, representatives from academia, and various civil society organizations.
As the keynote speaker, the Deputy Minister denounced the effects of the United States' economic blockade against Cuba, intensified to unprecedented levels by an energy embargo.
Also participating as panelists were George Katrougalos, Independent Expert of the UN Human Rights Council; Daniel Uribe, representative of the South Centre; David López, coordinator of the organization AIDHES; and Francisco Pichón, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Cuba.
In the panelists' presentations and in the comments from the numerous delegations that participated in the interactive debate, it was emphasized that unilateral coercive measures are illegal, contrary to the UN Charter and International Law.
Many alluded to the fact that depriving entire populations of the resources necessary for their subsistence, as is happening in the case of Cuba as a consequence of the blockade, is a form of collective punishment expressly prohibited by International Law.
Abundant evidence was presented regarding the tremendous humanitarian impact of unilateral coercive measures, particularly in the case of Cuba, which suffers the longest and most cruel economic, commercial, and financial blockade in recorded history.
Numerous participants expressed their solidarity and support for Cuba. It is recognized that the Cuban people, and all peoples who today suffer the consequences of unilateral coercive measures, deserve justice, and that achieving this is the responsibility of all members of the international community.