UNGA Votes to End US Embargo on Cuba After 60 Years of Economic Strain

UNGA Votes to End US Embargo on Cuba After 60 Years of Economic Strain

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has overwhelmingly voted in favor of ending the United States’ 60-year-long economic and trade embargo against Cuba, which was initially imposed in 1960. A total of 187 states supported the resolution, while only the US and Israel opposed it, and Ukraine abstained from voting.

The resolution, titled necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba, highlights the concerns raised by the UNGA regarding the continued existence of the embargo despite previous resolutions against it dating back to 1992. The UNGA also expressed worries about the negative impact of these measures on the Cuban people and its nationals residing in other countries.

The assembly reminded everyone of the measures taken by former US President Barack Obama in 2015 and 2016 to modify certain aspects of the embargo, which sharply contrasted with the measures implemented since 2017 to reinforce its enforcement.

In its call to action, the UNGA reiterated its appeal to all nations to refrain from enacting and implementing such restrictive laws and measures, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling their obligations under the UN Charter and international law.

While explaining the US vote against the resolution, the representative of the United States, Paul Folmsbee, affirmed their steadfast support for the Cuban people and their aspirations for a future that respects human rights and fundamental freedoms. He stated that sanctions are just one tool within their broader efforts to encourage Cuba to embrace democracy and uphold human rights and freedoms.

On the other hand, the Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla condemned the over 60-year economic blockade, asserting that it violates the rights of all Cuban individuals. He described the hardships faced by families due to the lack of essential goods, long queues, and exorbitant prices. He stressed that the Cuban government makes tremendous efforts to feed its citizens but is hindered by the blockade, which prevents the acquisition of animal fodder, industrial equipment, and other necessities for food production.

Rodríguez Parrilla went on to say that while there may be exceptions for food products, the United States is still disregarding the rules of international trade. He highlighted that 80% of the Cuban population has never experienced life without the debilitating US blockade, which he regarded as an act of economic warfare during times of peace. He firmly stated that the blockade creates a situation of ungovernability and aims to destroy the constitutional order in Cuba.

The UNGA’s decision to end the US embargo on Cuba after six decades of economic strain marks an important step toward easing the hardships faced by the Cuban people. It opens up opportunities for enhanced trade relations and economic cooperation, which could contribute to the development and well-being of the Cuban society. However, the US and Israel’s opposition to the resolution indicates that there are still differing perspectives on the impact and necessity of the embargo.

This development will undoubtedly have significant implications for Cuba and its relations with the international community. As the world moves toward greater global cooperation and dialogue, the decision by the UNGA sends a strong message that the majority of nations believe it is time to end the economic and trade barriers that have hindered Cuba’s progress for the past six decades.