(UN Photo / Evan Schneider) The General Assembly adopts a resolution on the “Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba.” on Oct. 30,2024. The Resolution was introduced by Cuba and adopted by recorded vote with 187 in favour; 2 against and 1 abstention
By Gary Raynaldo – DIPLOMATIC TIMES
UNITED NATIONS – The UN General Assembly voted overwhelmingly Wednesday in favor of a resolution calling for the end of the 62-year-old US embargo on Cuba. A total of 187 countries of 193 voted in favor while the US and Israel opposed. Moldova abstained. Since 1962, the US has imposed a crippling economic embargo on Cuba. With overwhelming backing from the international community, the resolution has been approved ever since 1992 when the General Assembly began to vote annually on the issue. The embargo is rooted in the Cold War, when Fidel Castro and his revolutionaries seized power. The General Assembly does not have the power to end the embargo, only the U.S. Congress does.
Those in favor: 187
Those against: 2 (the US and Israel)
Abstentions: 1 (Moldova)
Cuba Foreign Minister Says US Embargo Is ‘Crime of Genocide’
Bruno Eduardo Rodríguez Parrilla, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cuba, speaks at UN General Assembly meeting on the necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States against Cuba Oct. 30, 2024. (UN Photo / Evan Schneider)
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez, speaking to the General Assembly before the vote, said the US blockade is “economic, financial and commercial warfare and qualifies as crime of genocide.” He said the embargo has deprived Cuba of $164 billion since it was imposed, with $5 billion in losses in 2023. “The embargo is a mass flagrant violation of international law, the UN Charter and of our people’s human rights,” the Cuban foreign minister stated. “It is designed to paralyze the Cuban economy.” He added that the blockade continues to restrict Cuba’s ability to import pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and other medical supplies. “The United States government is perfectly aware of the direct and indirect impact that its policy has on the Cuban health system, consequences of incomplete treatments, delayed treatments and postponed surgeries,” he said. Rodriguez also blamed the embargo on the widespread blackouts in Cuba this month. He said US economic pressure has made it difficult to import fuel supplies for electrical power stations. Rodriquez also called for the US to remove it from its list of state sponsors of terrorism.
US Ambassador Says United States Stands With The Cuban People
US deputy ambassador Paul Folmsbee said the United States stands with the Cuban people and strongly supports their pursuit of a future with respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. “Approximately 1,000 unjustly detained political prisoners remain behind bars in Cuba – more than at any point in Cuba’s recent history,” Folmsbee told the Assembly. “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.” He added that the US recognizes the challenges the Cuban people face, noting that last year the US exported nearly $336 million in agricultural products and authorized another $100 billion in humanitarian exports.
