UN human rights leader calls for Cuba sanctions to be ‘lifted immediately’ | United Nations News
UN Human Rights Chief Criticizes U.S. Sanctions on Cuba
Volker Turk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, has sharply criticized the recent sanctions imposed by the United States on Cuba, linking them to rising mortality rates on the island, especially among children.
In a statement issued on Monday, Turk asserted that the growing restrictions on the Cuban economy are contributing to increased death rates. “The fuel restrictions imposed since early 2026 and the tightening of extraterritorial sanctions are directly harming Cubans, particularly the most vulnerable,” he said.
Turk highlighted the dire consequences of these sanctions, noting, “Children are dying because doctors lack access to essential medical supplies and medicines. This is unacceptable.” He called for an immediate lifting of the sanctions, which he described as incompatible with basic human rights principles.
Turk’s remarks follow a series of actions taken by former President Donald Trump aimed at intensifying pressure on Cuba, a nation already affected by a long-standing U.S. trade embargo. Beginning in January, the Trump administration aimed to restrict Cuba’s foreign oil supply, deemed critical for its aging energy infrastructure. This effort was marked by the severing of oil supplies and funding from Venezuela, and an executive order labeling Cuba as an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to U.S. national security.
In the months that followed, sanctions were expanded to include Cuba’s Interior Ministry, National Police, and Directorate of Intelligence in May, followed by recent measures targeting President Miguel Diaz-Canel and his family. These sanctions are intended to penalize individuals deemed responsible for repression within the country.
Acknowledging Cuba’s troubled human rights record, Turk urged the Cuban government to release all arbitrarily detained individuals. However, he emphasized the humanitarian implications of U.S. sanctions, which he said have isolated Cuba from much of the global community.
The sanctions effectively freeze any U.S.-based assets held by the sanctioned parties and prevent business transactions that could allow them access to international financial systems. This blockade has resulted in frequent power outages and reductions in essential services, including public transportation and healthcare.
“The situation is leading to increasing isolation for Cuba,” Turk stated. “Companies are leaving, and fewer airlines are flying to the island. It is almost disconnected from international payment systems.”
Turk’s office reported alarming statistics, stating that infant mortality rates have doubled to 9.9 per 1,000 live births, while childhood cancer survival rates have dropped from 85 percent to 65 percent. The Cuban government has warned of unmet medical needs due to energy shortages, with over 96,000 individuals awaiting surgery, including more than 11,000 minors.
He also pointed out that essential treatments like radiotherapy and dialysis rely on consistent electricity, which has been compromised. Turk raised concerns about potential health risks associated with the Atlantic hurricane season and rising summer temperatures, which may exacerbate the spread of diseases.
“Rising temperatures can increase the incidence of vector-borne and waterborne diseases,” he said. “The hurricane season further raises vulnerability, creating a perfect storm for social and economic deterioration and suffering for the Cuban people.”
In context, only one Russian oil tanker has successfully reached Cuba since January, leaving the country’s foreign fuel supplies critically low. Turk’s statements highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis amid the complex geopolitical dynamics surrounding Cuba.
