The UN warns of the impact of the oil embargo on essential services in Cuba

The United Nations has pointed out this Friday the impact of the oil embargo on essential services in Cuba, such as access to food, water and healthcare, indicating that this measure is aggravating the Human Rights situation of the island’s population and reiterating that “political objectives cannot justify actions that, in themselves, violate Human Rights.”

“We are extremely concerned about the deepening socioeconomic crisis in Cuba, amid a financial and trade embargo that has lasted for decades, extreme weather events and recent measures by the United States that restrict oil shipments. This is having an increasingly serious impact on the Human Rights of people in Cuba,” said Marta Hurtado, spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk.

In this sense, he has warned of the consequences of the “oil shortage” in Cuba, pointing out that this blockade puts at risk “the availability of essential services throughout the country.”

In his statement, the High Commissioner has reiterated the call for “all States to lift unilateral sectoral measures”, insisting on “their broad and indiscriminate impact” on the local population. “Policy objectives cannot justify actions that, in themselves, violate Human Rights,” he added.

As he has warned, the oil blockade on the island affects intensive care units, emergency rooms have been compromised, as well as the production, distribution and storage of vaccines, blood transfusion and temperature-sensitive medications.

Recalling that “more than 80% of water pumping equipment depends on electricity”, the UN has warned that power cuts affect access “to safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene.”

Regarding food, the lack of fuel has impacted the rationing system and the regulated basic basket, negatively influencing social protection networks.

“Access to essential goods and services, including food, water, medicines and an adequate supply of fuel and electricity, must always be safeguarded, as they are fundamental in modern societies for the right to life and the possibility of enjoying many other rights,” stressed Turk’s spokesperson.

In this sense, he has warned of the “sustained long-term impact” of the sanctions against Cuba, indicating that it reduces the capacity of the State to provide protection and assistance services. “This increases the risk of fueling social disruption in Cuba,” he points out.

The UN has asked, in any case, that the authorities in Havana be prepared to “respond in accordance with International Human Rights Law, paying attention to the needs of the most vulnerable and prioritizing mediation, de-escalation and safeguarding the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression for all.”