Overview
- Special Rapporteur Alena Douhan said U.S. trade and financial restrictions have worsened shortages of food, medicine and electricity, undermining health, education and nutrition across Cuba.
- She reported that measures have tightened since 2018 and intensified after Cuba’s 2021 return to the U.S. State Sponsor of Terrorism list, with over-compliance by third parties deterring investment.
- The statement comes weeks after the UN General Assembly voted for the 33rd consecutive year to condemn the embargo.
- U.S. officials reject the claim that sanctions are chiefly responsible, noting Cuba can trade with other countries and that U.S. law allows exports of food and medical supplies.
- Only Congress can lift the embargo, and Douhan plans to deliver a full report on her visit to the UN Human Rights Council in September 2026.