Overview
- Special Rapporteur Alena Douhan said the measures violate international legal norms and have worsened Cuba’s humanitarian situation.
- She reported wide-ranging harm to health care, nutrition and education, citing that roughly 69% of needed medicines are unavailable and mortality is rising.
- The visit came during an economic crisis marked by inflation, blackouts, dwindling tourism and severe shortages that have driven a record exodus.
- The U.N. General Assembly voted last month to condemn the embargo once again, though lifting it requires action by the U.S. Congress.
- U.S. officials contend Cuba’s government is responsible for the crisis and note U.S. law permits some food and medical exports, while sanctions were intensified under President Trump, continued under President Biden and tightened again this year.