UN Urges End to US Embargo on Cuba Amid Renewed Calls for Change

New York, NY – October 29, 2025 – The United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly approved a resolution calling for an end to the long-standing United States economic embargo against Cuba on Wednesday. This marks the 33rd time the assembly has issued such a condemnation, highlighting persistent international opposition to the policy.

Resolution Details and Voting Breakdown

the resolution passed with a notable majority, receiving 165 votes in favor, seven against, and twelve abstentions. This year’s vote witnessed a slight shift in alignment, as the United States secured support from argentina, Hungary, North Macedonia, Paraguay, and Ukraine, in addition to Israel, to vote against the resolution. Last year,only the United States and israel opposed the measure,with Moldova abstaining.

Accusations and Cuban Response

The United States, during lobbying efforts preceding the vote, raised concerns regarding alleged mercenary activity by Cuban nationals in support of Russian forces in Ukraine, claiming up to 5,000 cubans might potentially be involved. Cuba swiftly dismissed these accusations as unsubstantiated and announced that legal proceedings are underway concerning any cubans implicated in such activities. Cuban officials maintain their commitment to peaceful resolutions and have openly expressed support for their ally, Russia, while simultaneously advocating for diplomatic talks.

Historical Context and Limitations

The decades-long US embargo, initially imposed during the Cold War, has been a consistent point of contention between the two nations. Despite the annual UN General Assembly resolutions, the embargo’s removal remains within the purview of the US Congress. The assembly first addressed the issue annually starting in 1992, with the exception of 2020 due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Statements from Key Representatives

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez, addressing the assembly, characterized the embargo as a form of “collective punishment” that infringes upon the human rights of all Cubans, nonetheless of social status or economic position. He firmly stated, “Cuba will not surrender.”

United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, described the annual vote as “political theater,” accusing Cuba of portraying itself as a victim while simultaneously identifying as an adversary of the United States. Deputy Ambassador Jeff Bartos further asserted that supporting the resolution allows the Cuban regime to deflect responsibility for its economic challenges and avoid necessary reforms.

Shifting US Policy throughout Administrations

The United States has consistently opposed the UN resolutions since 1992. A notable exception occurred in 2016 under the Obama governance, when the US abstained from the vote amid a period of improved relations with Cuba. Though, the trump administration reversed course, restoring a stricter stance on the embargo and curtailing many of the easing measures implemented by its predecessor. The Biden administration has continued to vote against the resolution, maintaining the embargo policy.

Year	Votes in Favor	Votes Against	Abstentions
2024	187	2	1
2025	165	7	12

Did You Know? The US embargo against Cuba is the longest-running trade embargo imposed by one country on another.

Pro Tip: Understanding the historical context of the embargo – its origins in the Cold War and subsequent political shifts – is crucial to grasping the complexities of US-Cuba relations.

What impact will continued US policy have on cuba’s economic future?

How might changing geopolitical dynamics influence the debate surrounding the embargo?

Understanding the US Embargo on Cuba: A Historical Overview

The US embargo on Cuba began in 1960, following the Cuban Revolution and the nationalization of US-owned properties. Initially a partial embargo,it was strengthened over the years,particularly in response to Cuba’s alignment with the soviet Union during the Cold War. While travel and remittances have been permitted at times, the overarching goal of the embargo has been to exert economic pressure on the Cuban government. The embargo continues to be a sensitive issue with various lobbies advocating for its continuation or dissolution.

Frequently Asked Questions About the US Embargo on Cuba

• What is the US embargo on Cuba? The embargo is a complete set of restrictions on trade, travel, and financial transactions between the United States and Cuba.
• Why does the US have an embargo on Cuba? Originally imposed in response to the Cuban Revolution and subsequent nationalization of U.S. assets,it has been maintained due to concerns over human rights and political freedom in Cuba.
• Has the embargo been lifted at any point? There have been periods of easing restrictions, particularly under the Obama administration, but the embargo remains largely in place.
• What is Cuba’s stance on the embargo? Cuba views the embargo as a violation of its sovereignty and a major obstacle to its economic progress.
• What is the impact of the embargo on the cuban people? The embargo contributes to economic hardship for many Cubans, limiting access to essential goods and services.
• What is the role of the UN in addressing the embargo? The UN General Assembly has repeatedly called for an end to the embargo, but its resolutions are non-binding.

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How does the UN resolution condemning the US embargo on Cuba reflect the broader international outlook on the policy’s legitimacy?

the Latest UN Resolution & Global Pressure

The United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly voted on October 28, 2025, to condemn the ongoing United States embargo against Cuba, marking the 33rd consecutive year the assembly has made such a call. The resolution, passed with 187 votes in favor, 2 against (the US and Israel), and 2 abstentions, underscores the growing international pressure on Washington to lift the decades-long economic, commercial, and financial blockade. This year’s resolution specifically highlights the detrimental impact of the embargo on Cuba’s ability to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in healthcare and food security. The vote reflects a global consensus that the embargo constitutes a violation of international law and hinders Cuba’s economic development. Key terms driving search include: US embargo cuba, UN resolution cuba, Cuba blockade, international sanctions.

Historical Context: A Timeline of the Embargo

The US embargo against Cuba began in 1960, following the Cuban Revolution and the nationalization of US-owned properties. It was progressively tightened over the years,particularly after Cuba aligned itself with the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

Here’s a brief timeline:

1. 1960: Initial restrictions on exports to Cuba.
2. 1962: Full embargo established,prohibiting nearly all trade with Cuba.
3. 1992: The Cuban Democracy Act (Torricelli Law) further restricted trade and travel.
4. 1996: the Helms-Burton Act tightened the embargo and penalized foreign companies doing business with Cuba.
5. Obama Era (2014-2016): A period of easing restrictions, including the re-establishment of diplomatic relations and some travel allowances.
6. Trump Era (2017-2021): Reversal of obama-era policies,with increased restrictions on travel and remittances.
7. Biden administration (2021-Present): Limited easing of some restrictions, but the core embargo remains in place.

Understanding this history of the US embargo is crucial to grasping the current situation. Related searches include: Cuba US relations timeline, Helms-Burton Act explained, Obama cuba policy.

Impact on the cuban Economy & Population

The embargo has had a devastating impact on the Cuban economy, hindering its access to essential goods, technology, and financial resources. this has resulted in:

* Shortages of food, medicine, and fuel: Cubans frequently experience shortages of basic necessities, leading to hardship and impacting public health.

* Limited economic growth: The embargo restricts foreign investment and trade, stifling economic development.

* Infrastructure challenges: Lack of access to modern technology and materials hinders infrastructure development and maintainance.

* Healthcare system strain: Difficulties in acquiring medical supplies and equipment put a strain on Cuba’s healthcare system, despite its internationally recognized achievements.

The economic consequences are compounded by external factors like global inflation and the COVID-19 pandemic. Keywords: Cuba economic crisis, impact of embargo on Cuba, Cuban healthcare challenges, food shortages Cuba.

US Justifications & Counterarguments

The US government maintains that the embargo is a tool to promote democracy and human rights in Cuba. Arguments center around the Cuban government’s political system and human rights record. However, critics argue that the embargo primarily harms the Cuban people and has failed to achieve its stated goals.

Counterarguments include:

* Collective punishment: The embargo punishes the entire Cuban population for the actions of its government.

* Ineffectiveness: Decades of the embargo have not led to political change in Cuba.

* Violation of international law: Many countries view the embargo as a violation of international trade laws and principles of sovereignty.

* Humanitarian concerns: the embargo exacerbates humanitarian challenges and hinders access to essential goods.

relevant search terms: US policy on Cuba, arguments for and against Cuba embargo, human rights in Cuba debate, international law and the embargo.

the Role of Remittances & Travel Restrictions

Remittances from Cubans living abroad are a vital source of income for many Cuban families.however, restrictions on remittances imposed by the Trump administration significantly reduced the flow of funds, exacerbating economic hardship. While the Biden administration has partially restored remittance flows, limitations remain. Similarly, restrictions on travel to Cuba, particularly for US citizens, limit potential economic benefits from tourism. The debate surrounding remittances to Cuba and US travel to Cuba is central to the discussion.

Potential Benefits of lifting the Embargo

Lifting the embargo could unlock meaningful economic opportunities for both Cuba and the United States.

Potential benefits include:

* Increased trade and investment: Opening up trade and investment opportunities could stimulate economic growth in both countries.

* Job creation: Increased economic activity would lead to job creation in Cuba and potentially in the US.

* Improved access to goods and services: Cubans would have greater access to essential goods, medicine, and technology.

* Strengthened regional stability: Improved relations between the US and Cuba could contribute to greater regional stability.

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