HAVANA - The United States must lift the unilateral sanctions imposed on Cuba that are causing significant effects across all aspects of life on the island, the Special Rapporteur on negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on human rights Alena Douhan said today.
"For over 60 years, the United States has maintained an extensive regime of economic, trade and financial restrictions against Cuba, the longest-running unilateral sanctions policy in U.S. foreign relations," Douhan said in a statement at the end of an official visit to the country.
"As a result, generations of Cubans have lived under unilateral coercive measures, which has shaped the country's economic and social landscape."
Douhan said she heard reports that restrictions have progressively tightened since 2018, with further measures imposed on the already existing ones and a significant intensification in 2021 following Cuba's re-designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism.
These and many other restrictions, compounded by de-risking and over-compliance by third parties, limit both Government and citizens' ability for the long-term planning and are suffocating the social fabric of Cuban society.
Despite the broad support consistently expressed for the UN General Assembly resolution "Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba", and its unequivocal request to end the blockade, the measures not only continue to remain in force, but their impacts are being intensified by the United States, the expert said.
"Shortages of essential machinery, spare parts, electricity, water, fuel, food and medicine, alongside the growing emigration of skilled workers - including medical staff, engineers and teachers - have severe consequences for the enjoyment of human rights, including the rights to life, food, health and development," she said.
Social and economic initiatives are frequently disrupted by sudden cancellations, administrative hurdles and uncertainty. Procurement processes become lengthy and unpredictable, with last-minute cancellations that raise costs, delay assistance and impede project implementation.
Douhan also noted that the unpredictability of United States unilateral coercive measures and the high fines imposed on those who circumvent them, create hesitancy among foreign companies. Even in the event of licenses and exemptions, investors remain wary of committing to long-term projects given the possibility of policy shifts in the United States.
To assess the full scope of the situation, Douhan met with a broad range of stakeholders, including government officials, diplomats, international agencies, non-governmental organisations, church representatives, members of the academia, medical personnel, and private sector representatives. She also received a record number of submissions that will feed the report.
"I urge all States to adhere to international law principles and norms and ensure that humanitarian concerns are fully respected, grounded in principles of mutual respect, solidarity, cooperation and multilateralism," the Special Rapporteur said.
A report on the visit including her findings and recommendations will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council in September 2026.
