In a recent communication to Alena Douhan, the UN Special Rapporteur on unilateral coercive measures, the Ecuadorian organization CPAZ highlighted the detrimental effects of the U.S. economic embargo on Cuba. The embargo, which has been in place for over six decades, has been described by CPAZ as ‘an act of genocide and the principal violation of human rights’ against the Cuban population. The group emphasized that the sanctions, particularly those reinforced between March 2024 and February 2025, severely impact essential sectors such as health, food, education, and technology access. CPAZ pointed out that these measures prevent Cuba from obtaining critical resources like medicines, medical equipment, agricultural inputs, credit, and advanced technologies. Additionally, the organization criticized the extraterritorial provisions of the Helms-Burton Act, which deter foreign investment and penalize third-country companies engaging with Cuba. The statement underscored the dire consequences for Cubans, including restricted access to cancer medications, HIV/AIDS treatments, diagnostic equipment, and surgical supplies, as international suppliers avoid trade with Cuba due to fear of U.S. sanctions.