The United Nations' Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights declared on Friday that the sanctions enforced by the United States against Cuba are in violation of the UN Charter and international law.
The UN emphasized that these American measures have a detrimental impact on vital sectors such as food, healthcare, and the water supply available to the Cuban populace.
Marta Hurtado, the organization's spokesperson, stated that such measures "harm the most vulnerable, are ineffective, and fail to comply with either the United Nations Charter or international law, as sanctions of this nature should be imposed by the UN Security Council, not a single nation."
The UN office highlighted that these sector-specific sanctions lead to a "dismantling" of essential services, which directly affects the population.
On multiple occasions, U.S. authorities have defended these actions, arguing that their objective is to pressure the Cuban government due to its human rights violations and the lack of political freedoms.
Understanding the Impact of U.S. Sanctions on Cuba
What sectors in Cuba are affected by U.S. sanctions?
The U.S. sanctions negatively impact crucial sectors such as food, healthcare, and the water supply in Cuba.
Why does the UN consider the U.S. sanctions to be in violation of international law?
The UN believes these sanctions violate international law because they should be imposed by the UN Security Council, not unilaterally by a single country.
What is the U.S. rationale behind imposing sanctions on Cuba?
The U.S. government claims that the sanctions aim to pressure the Cuban government regarding human rights abuses and the lack of political freedoms.