The United Nations General Assembly has once again adopted a resolution urging the United States to end its long-standing economic, commercial, and financial embargo against Cuba. This marks the 33rd consecutive year the UN has passed such a measure, with 165 member states voting in favor, seven opposing, and 12 abstaining. The resolution, titled ‘Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba,’ saw strong support from all 14 Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries, reflecting widespread international disapproval of the embargo. Notably, the US, Israel, Argentina, Hungary, Paraguay, North Macedonia, and Ukraine voted against the resolution, while countries like Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Poland chose to abstain. US Ambassador Jeff Bartos defended the embargo, stating that it sends a clear message to the Cuban regime. The resolution also criticized US legislation such as the Helms-Burton Act of 1996, which Cuba and other nations argue violates international law. The General Assembly highlighted the contrasting approaches of former President Barack Obama, who eased some embargo measures, and the Trump administration, which reinforced them. The US embargo, first imposed in 1958, has been a contentious issue for decades, with the UN consistently advocating for its end since 1992. The General Assembly has decided to include the embargo on the agenda for next year’s session, ensuring the issue remains a focal point of international discourse.
Caricom countries vote in favour of resolution to end US trade embargo against Cuba
