In a thought-provoking analysis, writer and journalist Juan Antonio Canel highlighted the enduring challenges faced by the United Nations (UN) in fulfilling its founding charter. Article 1 of the charter mandates collective measures to prevent threats to peace and suppress acts of aggression. However, Canel pointed out two critical issues that continue to undermine this mission: the U.S. government’s economic, commercial, and financial blockade of Cuba, and the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Despite widespread international condemnation, these crises persist, raising questions about the UN’s effectiveness. Canel described the blockade against Cuba as inhumane and questioned the legitimacy of such sanctions imposed on a sovereign nation. He emphasized that these measures violate international law, citing the UN General Assembly’s repeated condemnation of the blockade, most recently on October 29, with 165 votes in favor, seven against, and 12 abstentions. Despite overwhelming support for ending the blockade, Canel lamented that no tangible progress has been made, underscoring the UN’s struggle to enforce its own principles.