Foreign Minister Arrives in New York for UN Resolution to Lift the Embargo

For the 31st year in a row, there will be a vote at the United Nations calling for an end to the United States embargo against Cuba. It is expected that the US will further isolate itself from the global community by voting against the UN Resolution.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla arrived in New York to take part in the draft resolution entitled, “Necessity of putting an end to the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States of America against Cuba,” It will take place on November 1 and 2 at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Rodríguez will intervene on November 2 at the UNGA. Over the last three decades, the international community has rejected the unjust and illegal policy. The embargo, reinforced at unprecedented levels during COVID-19, is a significant attack on human rights. It has contributed to massive inflation on the Island, food, pharmaceutical, and fuel shortages.

The draft resolution calling for the lifting of the coercive measures against Cuba will be submitted to the General Assembly.

Economists estimate the damage to the economy at USD 405 million monthly between March 2022 and February 2023. The effects on foreign trade during the same period are valued at USD 3.81 billion. These estimates are based on the dollar against the value of gold in international markets.

The US embargo affects all sectors of Cuban society and the economy. Sanctions have led to widespread consequences for the Cubans. They result in a flagrant attack on human rights in terms of access to food, fuel, and medicines. It negatively affects the world in trade and commerce because of its extraterritorial reach. And finally, it has thwarted Cuba’s recovery from the conditions of the global pandemic.

In 2022, 185 nations approved Cuba’s resolution. Only two countries voted against Cuba, the United States and Israel, the latter because of US funding.

Once again for the 31st year in a row, Cuba will trust in the overwhelming and unequivocal support of the international community in the legitimate claim to end the blockade.