The Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR) has condemned the continued expansion of unilateral economic sanctions and coercive measures imposed by the United States government against the Republic of Cuba.
CDHR in a statement on Tuesday jointly signed by its national president, Comrade ‘Yinka Folarin, and the general secretary, Comrade Idris Afees, maintained that 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 Cubans for decades.
The statement reads, “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.
According to the Rights group, 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.
“We note 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 threaten the dignity, welfare, and even the lives of millions of people.”
CDHR, noted that human rights cannot be selectively defended. “They must apply equally to every individual and every nation. The protection of human life must always take precedence over political disagreements or ideological differences.
“We call on the United States government 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.
“CDHR further calls upon the United Nations, the civil society organisations, humanitarian institutions, and the broader international community to intensify diplomatic and humanitarian efforts aimed at ensuring 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.”
