Vienna, June 10, 2026. – Cuba reported to the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that the intensification of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States is severely hindering its access to nuclear technical cooperation and causing an unprecedented deterioration in the health of its population.
In his statement, Ambassador Pablo Berti Oliva reported that, as a result of the energy blockade imposed six months ago, the life expectancy of Cuban children with cancer has fallen from 85% to 65%, despite the heroism of healthcare workers and the government’s efforts.
The Cuban diplomat denounced that the U.S. President’s executive orders of January 29 and May 1, 2026, have tightened the blockade to unprecedented levels, depriving Cuba of a stable fuel supply and directly affecting treatments derived from the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Cuba urged the IAEA to reject unilateral coercive measures and to strengthen technical cooperation, and reiterated its confidence that the Agency, faithful to its mandate of “Atoms for Peace and Development,” will continue to be a bastion of solidarity and respect for the sovereignty of States, promoting a more just world order where no people are excluded from the benefits of nuclear science and technology.
(EmbaCubaAustria)