World Leaders Speak Out Against U.S. Blockade on Cuba

For the 34th consecutive year, the United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly voted to condemn the U.S. economic blockade against Cuba.

Despite an aggressive U.S. lobbying campaign, 130 countries supported the resolution, while 17 voted against it and 25 abstained. Twenty-one countries did not vote.

Over two days of debate, diplomats from around the world condemned the U.S. economic war on Cuba. Here is what they had to say.

Penda Naanda, Namibia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, called on the international community to stop ignoring the suffering caused by the blockade.

“Mr. President, this General Assembly cannot stand idle and watch the suffering of the people of Cuba indefinitely. For how long? This institution was created to address such injustices.”

Irene Muchaitei Juru, Zimbabwe’s Deputy Permanent Representative, described the economic consequences of the sanctions.

“These sanctions are imposing severe economic strain on Cuba. They are restricting access to finance and remittances, and triggering serious shortages of essential goods and services. Prolonged power outages are further aggravating the situation, particularly in hospitals and other critical facilities.

“The sanctions are also undermining food security and constraining the ability of the Cuban government to advance sustainable development.”

Sérgio França Danese, Brazil’s Permanent Representative, pointed to the effects of the measures on daily life in Cuba.

“The effects of these illegal measures are tangible. In June 2026, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights reported daily power outages frequently exceeding 20 hours.

“It also reported that the suspension of services by shipping companies had affected shipments of food intended for humanitarian assistance, totaling more than 2,900 tons.”

Danese also cited the High Commissioner’s warning about the consequences for children’s health.

“The High Commissioner for Human Rights warned, and I quote: ‘Children are dying because doctors do not have access to medical supplies and essential medicines.’”

Godfrey Kwoba, Uganda’s Chargé d’Affaires, highlighted the impact on transportation and food production.

“Public transportation services have experienced significant disruptions, while agricultural production and food distribution networks have been severely impacted.

“Alarmingly, Cuba has received only one oil tanker during the last ten months.”

Jaime Hermida Castillo, Nicaragua’s Permanent Representative, condemned what he described as international organizations’ failure to respond to the blockade.

“In condemning this flagrant injustice, we also condemn the inaction of international organizations where the majority or virtually all peoples and governments of the world have rejected the blockade and called for an immediate cessation of this clear violation of all rights, in particular, the human rights of the people of Cuba.”

Amanuel Giorgio, Eritrea’s Deputy Permanent Representative, argued that decades of UN resolutions had failed to bring an end to the measures.

“More than 30 resolutions approved by this General Assembly have not been enough for the removal of the blockade. The message has been very clear throughout three decades.

“The Cuban people have the right to build their own future, free from any kind of interference or pressures.”