Geneva, June 8, 2026.- United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called on Monday for the immediate lifting of the sanctions imposed by the United States against Cuba, warning that their expansion is causing serious humanitarian consequences and endangering the lives of the Cuban people.
According to Türk, the fuel restrictions implemented since early 2026, together with the tightening of extraterritorial sanctions, are severely affecting access to essential goods and services, particularly for the most vulnerable sectors of the population. He stressed that shortages of medicines and medical supplies are putting lives at risk and described the situation as "unacceptable."
The UN official noted that the measures have deepened the country's energy crisis, causing prolonged blackouts and disrupting food production, healthcare services and humanitarian operations. He also warned that the sanctions are generating broad and indiscriminate effects that are incompatible with the fundamental principles of international human rights law.
Türk urged companies and financial institutions to avoid excessive compliance practices that further restrict humanitarian activities and called for greater international cooperation to prevent a worsening of Cuba's social and economic situation.
(Cubaminrex)