U.N. General Assembly Condemns U.S. Economic Embargo, Urges Support for Cuba
The U.N. General Assembly has once again condemned the economic embargo imposed by the United States on Cuba for the 31st consecutive year. The resolution received overwhelming support with 187 votes in favor, while the United States and Israel opposed, and Ukraine abstained from the vote. Notably, Somalia, Venezuela, and Moldova did not cast their votes.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez addressed the General Assembly before the vote, urging member states to support reason and justice and stand with Cuba against the blockade. Rodriguez characterized the U.S. embargo as the most cruel and long-lasting unilateral coercive measures ever imposed on a country, referring to it as a crime of genocide and an act of economic warfare during times of peace. He accused the U.S. of attempting to weaken Cuba’s economy, leaving its people in a state of desperation, and aiming to overthrow the government.
It is important to note that General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, but they do reflect the global consensus on the matter. With the majority of member states expressing support for Cuba’s cause, the vote highlights the isolation of the U.S. in its prolonged effort to isolate the Caribbean nation.
The U.S. imposed the embargo in 1960 following the revolution led by Fidel Castro and the nationalization of properties owned by American citizens and corporations. While President Raul Castro and President Barack Obama restored diplomatic relations in 2016, the U.S. voted against the resolution to end the embargo in 2017 under the Trump administration. Currently, new sanctions have been added to further pressurize Cuba economically.
Cuba is facing its gravest economic crisis since the 1959 revolution, with experts highlighting the urgent need for increased imports to alleviate the situation. However, it is widely believed that the Cuban government lacks the necessary funds to meet the demands. Nonetheless, the country has been going through a transition phase with the opening of small and medium-sized private companies. Since small ventures became legal in September 2021, more than 8,000 businesses have been launched in Cuba.
Responding to the General Assembly vote, U.S. deputy ambassador Paul Folmsbee reiterated America’s stance on the sanctions, asserting that they are part of broader efforts to promote democracy, respect for human rights, and fundamental freedoms in Cuba. Folmsbee highlighted that there are approximately 1,000 political prisoners currently held in Cuba, and expressed concerns over the government’s response to protests in July 2021, where rights advocates and minors were detained. He urged Cuba to release those unjustly detained and called on the Cuban government to allow the U.N. Human Rights Council to investigate the country’s compliance with freedom of expression, religion, and peaceful assembly.
While the U.N. General Assembly’s condemnation of the U.S. economic embargo reflects global sentiment on the matter, it remains to be seen whether this annual resolution will impact the U.S. government’s policies towards Cuba.
