UN General Assembly: Nigeria joins majority vote against U.S. economic sanctions on Cuba

In a significant international vote, Nigeria and 186 other United Nations member states have voted overwhelmingly against the United States’ economic and trade embargo on Cuba, which was originally imposed in 1960.

With 187 states in favor of the resolution titled ‘Necessity of ending the economic, commercial, and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba,’ only the U.S. and Israel voted against it, while Ukraine chose to abstain.

This annual resolution raises concerns about the continued existence of the economic embargo against Cuba, despite UN resolutions dating back to 1992 (Resolution 47/19). It highlights the adverse effects of these measures on the Cuban people and Cubans residing in other nations.

The resolution recalls actions taken by former U.S. President Barack Obama in 2015 and 2016 to modify some aspects of the embargo, contrasting them with measures adopted since 2017 to reinforce its implementation.

The UN General Assembly reiterated its call for all states to avoid enacting and implementing such restrictive laws and measures, consistent with their obligations under the UN Charter and international law.

In explaining the U.S. vote, Representative Paul Folmsbee emphasized his country’s strong support for a future that respects human rights and fundamental freedoms. He noted that sanctions are just one element of a broader effort to encourage Cuba to advance democracy and promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. He also mentioned that sanctions include exemptions and authorizations for the export of food, medicines, and other humanitarian goods to Cuba.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla introduced the draft resolution, stating that the more than 60-year blockade violated the rights of Cuban men and women. He pointed out the scarcity of goods, long queues, high prices, and the challenges the Cuban government faces in feeding its people due to the embargo. The U.S. sanctions have created difficulties for Cuba to obtain essential equipment, technologies, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals directly from the U.S. market.

The UN General Assembly’s decision marks a continuation of the global community’s call to end the embargo and allow Cuba to access essential resources for the well-being of its citizens.