CDHR Criticises US Over Continued Economic Sanctions Against Cuba

The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has expressed its profound concern over the continued expansion of unilateral economic sanctions and coercive measures imposed by the Government of the United States against the Republic of Cuba.

The Human Rights Group, in a statement signed by   Comr. Yinka Folarin, National President of CDHR, and Idris Afees, General Secretary, said the recent decision to widen sanctions to additional Cuban institutions, including the Ministry of Tourism and other strategic entities, represents yet another escalation of a policy that has inflicted severe humanitarian consequences on the Cuban people for decades.

Part of the statement said, “As one of the foremost human rights organisations committed to the protection of human dignity, justice, and the sanctity of life, CDHR unequivocally condemns every policy, irrespective of its political justification, that disproportionately punishes innocent civilians and undermines their fundamental rights.

“The right to life, the right to health, the right to food, the right to development, and the right of every nation to self-determination are universally guaranteed under international human rights law. These rights should never become casualties of geopolitical disputes or economic coercion.

“Reports indicating worsening shortages of food, medicine, fuel, medical supplies, and other essential commodities, alongside the increasing difficulty in accessing humanitarian assistance and international financial services, paint a disturbing picture of the humanitarian implications of these sanctions.

“The consequences are borne not by political leaders but by ordinary Cuban families, children, the elderly, persons living with disabilities, and vulnerable members of society whose daily survival has become increasingly difficult.”

CDHR noted with concern that the cumulative effects of these restrictive measures continue to place enormous pressure on Cuba’s healthcare system, economy, transportation, energy supply, and access to basic social services. Such conditions, the group said, threaten the dignity, welfare, and even the lives of millions of people.

It stressed that human rights cannot be selectively defended, adding that it must apply equally to every individual and every nation.

The protection of human life must always take precedence over political disagreements or ideological differences, the statement added.

“We, therefore, call upon the Government of the United States to urgently review its current policy towards Cuba and prioritise the protection of the Cuban people’s right to life, health, food, and development.

“The United States should also respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of Cuba in accordance with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law,” the group said.

It further called upon the United Nations, civil society organisations, humanitarian institutions, and the broader international community to intensify diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to ensure that the Cuban people are not subjected to avoidable suffering arising from prolonged economic restrictions.

“Dialogue, constructive engagement, mutual respect, and international cooperation remain the most sustainable pathways to resolving disputes between nations. Policies that deepen poverty, restrict access to essential services, and exacerbate humanitarian hardship cannot advance the cause of peace, justice, or human rights.

“The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights stands in solidarity with the people of Cuba during this difficult period and reiterates that every human life, irrespective of nationality or political system, deserves equal protection, dignity, and respect,” the group said.