World

Cuba accuses US at UN of deliberately inflicting humanitarian suffering

Al Jazeera · 2026-09-26

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Cuba's Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, accused the United States at the UN of waging an economic war against the Cuban people through its longstanding blockade, which he described as a crime and collective punishment. • Why it matters: Rodriguez's statements highlight the severe humanitarian impact of the US embargo on Cuba, which has been in place for over six decades, and aim to garner international support against what Cuba views as unjust US policies. • What to watch next: Ongoing discussions at the UN regarding humanitarian situations in various countries, particularly Cuba's, as tensions between Cuba and the US continue to be a significant point of contention.

**Cuba Accuses US at UN of Deliberately Inflicting Humanitarian Suffering**

Cuba's Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, has made a strong denunciation of the United States during a recent United Nations session, accusing the US government of conducting an economic war against the Cuban populace. In his remarks, Rodriguez characterized the longstanding US blockade of Cuba as not only a crime but also a form of collective punishment that exacerbates the suffering of the Cuban people.

The Cuban government has long criticized the US embargo, which has been in place for over six decades, asserting that it severely restricts access to essential goods, medical supplies, and other resources necessary for the wellbeing of its citizens. Rodriguez's statements at the UN highlighted the detrimental impact of these restrictions, claiming that they are intentionally designed to provoke a humanitarian crisis on the island.

This accusation comes amid ongoing discussions at the UN regarding the humanitarian situation in various countries, with Cuba's situation being a focal point due to the economic challenges it faces. Rodriguez's comments reflect a broader narrative within Cuba that seeks to draw international attention to the perceived injustices of the US policy towards the island.

The Cuban government has consistently maintained that the blockade has led to significant shortages and has hindered the country's development. Rodriguez's remarks were intended to rally support from the international community, calling for an end to what he described as an unjust and punitive measure against the Cuban people.

The US has historically defended its embargo as a necessary measure to promote democratic reforms in Cuba and to address human rights concerns. However, Cuba's leadership argues that the embargo has failed to achieve its intended goals and instead has only served to deepen the hardships faced by ordinary Cubans.

As discussions continue at the UN, the tension between Cuba and the US remains a significant point of contention, with both sides holding firm to their respective positions. Rodriguez's statements underscore the ongoing struggle for Cuba to advocate for its interests on the global stage, particularly in light of the humanitarian challenges it faces.

Source: Al Jazeera
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