The General Assembly weighs US embargo against Cuba as it opened its annual debate on Tuesday regarding the economic measure first imposed in 1960. Member states are scheduled to cast a vote on Wednesday, 28 October, for the 34th time on a resolution calling for the commercial, economic, and financial blockade to end. Traditionally, the assembly of 193 member states takes up the issue annually, resulting in a two-day debate where national and regional delegations share their positions. While previous resolutions have passed 33 times, the debate this year features heightened tensions and diplomatic clashes inside the chamber.
Debate and Tensions at the UN
During Tuesday’s proceedings, a sharp exchange occurred when Cuba’s Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, interrupted US Ambassador Mike Waltz on a point of order during his statement. The verbal confrontation escalated into a heated argument, forcing the President of the General Assembly to temporarily suspend the session before resuming without further incidents. Ambassador Waltz rejected the premise of the discussions, placing the blame for Cuba’s ongoing crisis squarely on its own government rather than the restrictions. He stated that US exports to the island reached over $876 million during the first eight months of 2026, alongside shipments from other international entities, arguing that the nation’s wealth had shifted to the ruling elite.
Impact of Sanctions and Humanitarian Concerns
The annual assembly comes amid growing warnings from UN officials regarding the humanitarian toll of tightened restrictions under the Trump administration. Francisco Pichon, the UN Resident Coordinator in Cuba, noted that the measures have triggered an energy crisis and a potential humanitarian collapse. The World Health Organization cautioned that energy shortages are impacting health systems, with senior UN officials reporting in May that over 100,000 surgical procedures faced postponements. Furthermore, Cuban authorities have highlighted delayed vaccination campaigns and difficulties for chronic patients in securing stable medicine supplies. UN human rights experts have condemned these unilateral sanctions, stating they jeopardize fundamental rights to life, health, food, and development.
Source: Cosmo News Desk
