A senior United Nations expert has called for the United States to lift its decades-old unilateral sanctions on Cuba, warning that the measures are reshaping every aspect of life on the island and “suffocating the social fabric of Cuban society”.
In a statement released on Friday, Alena Douhan, the UN special rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on human rights, said the “extensive regime of economic, trade and financial restrictions” imposed by Washington for more than 60 years is the longest-running unilateral sanctions policy in US history.
“As a result, generations of Cubans have lived under unilateral coercive measures, which has shaped the country’s economic and social landscape,” Douhan said, adding that the ongoing sanctions are “causing significant effects across all aspects of life”.
Only the US Congress can lift the Cold War-era embargo, first imposed under Fidel Castro’s leadership. Cuba’s government maintains it “will not surrender” to what it calls Washington’s “policy of collective punishment”.
Douhan noted that US measures have become progressively stricter since 2018, with additional sanctions layered onto existing ones and a sharp escalation in 2021 after Cuba was redesignated a “state sponsor of terrorism”.
She said the impact extends beyond Washington’s actions, as foreign governments and international companies over-comply to avoid secondary sanctions, hampering Cuba’s ability to plan long-term.
UN Special Rapporteur on human rights Alena Douhan speaks during a media conference in Havana, Cuba, on November 21, 2025 [Norlys Perez/Reuters]
The consequences, she said, are visible in shortages of food, medicine, electricity, water, machinery, and spare parts. A growing exodus of skilled worker, including teachers, engineers, and medical professionals, has further strained the country.
Cuba has also endured repeated electricity blackouts and major grid failures over the past year, affecting its population of 10 million.
Douhan stressed that the cumulative effects have “severe consequences for the enjoyment of human rights, including the rights to life, food, health and development”.
Despite repeated calls from the international community, including an overwhelming UN General Assembly vote at the end of October urging an end to the embargo for the 33rd consecutive year, US administrations have maintained the sanctions.
Even when Washington issues limited licences or exemptions, Douhan noted that investors remain reluctant to engage in long-term projects due to the possibility of sudden policy reversals.
“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,” she said.
Douhan is expected to present a detailed report on the humanitarian impact of US sanctions on Cuba to the UN Human Rights Council in September 2026, following extensive consultations with government officials, international agencies, academics, medical workers and private sector representatives.
Source: AL JAZEERA
Written By Rodney Mbua
