On October 30, 2024, the U.N. General Assembly overwhelmingly passed Cuba’s resolution condemning the U.S. embargo pf the island (187 to 2 with 4 abstentions).The U.S. and Israel again voted against the resolution while the abstentions came from Moldova, Ukraine, Somalia and Venezuela. Here now is a summary of that resolution and the General Assembly proceedings regarding same. [1] A subsequent post will examine some of the criticisms against that U.N. resolution.
Summary of the Resolution
The resolution was titled “Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba,”
“The resolution reaffirmed, among other principles, the sovereign equality of States, non-intervention and non-interference in their internal affairs and freedom of international trade and navigation.”
The Resolution “also reiterated its call for all States to refrain from promulgating or applying restrictive laws and measures, in line with their obligations under the UN Charter and international law, which, inter alia, reaffirm the freedom of trade and navigation.”
The Resolution “once again urges States that have and continue to apply such laws and measures to take the steps necessary to repeal or invalidate them as soon as possible in accordance with their legal regime.”
The Resolution also “recalled the measures adopted by US President Barack Obama in 2015 and 2016 to modify several aspects of the application of the embargo, “which contrast with the measures applied since 2017 to reinforce its implementation.”
Remarks About the Resolution[2]
Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez urged the assembly to support “reason and justice,the U.N. Charter and international law and back the resolution.”
The Foreign Minister said the U.S. embargo has imposed “the most cruel and long-lasting unilateral coercive measures that have ever been applied against any country” and that it constitutes “a crime of genocide” and an “ act of economic warfare during times of peace.” Moreover,” the American aim is to weaken Cuba’s economic life, leave its people hungry and desperate, and overthrow the government.”
Rodriguez also blamed the U.S. government’s “maximum pressure policy” aimed at depriving Cuba of the imported fuel it relies on for a widespread blackout this month, including when Hurricane Oscar lashed the island.”
U.S. Deputy Ambassador Paul Folmsbee told the Assembly after the vote that the “United States stands with the Cuban people. We strongly support their pursuit of a future with respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.” He also added the following comments:
- “Approximately 1,000 unjustly detained political prisoners remain behind bars in Cuba – more than at any point in Cuba’s recent history. Nearly 700 of those detentions are connected to the July 11, 2021, historic protests. These people have languished in horrible conditions in Cuban jails for exercising their freedom of expression and freedom of peaceful assembly to demand better living conditions from their government.”
- “Despite Cuba’s membership in the UN Human Rights Council, the Cuban government has delayed responding to several requests by special procedures that mandate holders of the UN Human Rights Council send independent experts to Cuba, who would help advance respect for human rights, including freedom of expression, freedom of religion or belief, and the freedom of peaceful assembly. Some of these requests have remained pending for more than 10 years.”
- “Sanctions are one element of our broader effort to advance democracy and promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in Cuba. We therefore oppose this resolution.”
- “That said, we recognize the challenges the Cuban people face. That is why U.S. sanctions include exemptions and authorizations relating to exports of food, medicine, and other basic goods to Cuba.”
- “The United States remains a significant source of basic goods to the Cuban people. In 2023, the United States exported nearly $336 million in agricultural products and authorized another $100 billion in humanitarian exports, demonstrating America’s desire to help the Cuban people.”
To scattered booing in the assembly chamber, Folmsbee concluded by saying the General Assembly should urge the Cuban government “to adhere to its human rights obligations and listen to the Cuban people and their aspirations to determine their own future.”
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[1] Lederer, U.N. General Assembly condemns the US economic embargo of Cuba for a 32nd year, Wash. Post (Oct. 30, 2024); Bruno Rodriguez at the UN: “Who can believe that US policy is to help Cuba?, Granma (Oct. 30, 2024); The great US irony: are sanctions meant to help Cuba?, Granma (Oct. 30, 2024).This blog has published posts about previous U.N. resolutions against the U.S. embargo. (See, e.g., “U.S. Embargo of Cuba” section in List of Posts to dekcommentaries—Topical: Cuba [as of 5/4/20].
[2] U.S. Mission to the U.N., Explanation of Vote on a UN General Assembly Resolution on the Cuba Embargo (Oct. 30, 2014).