The United Nations Human Rights Council Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights, Alena Douhan, arrived in Cuba on Tuesday for an official visit.
During her stay, the expert assessed first-hand the effects of the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States and its impact on the human rights of the Cuban people.
Her work schedule, which lasted several days, included exchanges with government authorities and tours of key sectors of national life affected by this unilateral policy.
Douhan was received by the director of International Organisations at the Foreign Ministry, Alejandro González, and the resident coordinator of the UN System in Cuba, Francisco Pichón.
This is her second visit to the country, following her participation in an academic event at the University of Havana in 2023, where she noted that:
US sanctions have ‘substantially exacerbated the humanitarian situation’.
- The unpredictability and financial harassment of transactions generate caution among foreign investors, affecting long-term projects.
- She highlighted the need for cooperation and mutual respect, receiving a record number of contributions from the Cuban government.
The final report will be presented in full to the UN Human Rights Council in September 2026.
In summary, Douhan's visit sought to document how unilateral measures affect Cuba, and her preliminary conclusions point to a significant negative humanitarian impact on the Cuban people.