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UN Urges US to Lift Sanctions Harming Cuba's Crisis

2/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called on the United States to lift sanctions that hinder oil deliveries to Cuba.
He said the sanctions worsen Cuba's crisis, causing shortages of fuel, food, and medicine.
Marta Hurtado, a spokesperson for Türk, noted that oil scarcity threatens healthcare and water supply.
The situation has intensified since the United States cut off oil from Venezuela, Cuba's main supplier.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. embargo against Cuba began in 1960, following the nationalization of American properties, and has persisted for over six decades. The 1992 Cuban Democracy Act intensified sanctions, contributing to a 50% decline in Cuba's GDP. Today, Volker Türk's call to lift these sanctions underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by the cessation of Venezuelan oil imports, which are crucial for Cuba's economy.

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Story summary

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called on the United States to lift sanctions that hinder oil deliveries to Cuba.
He said the sanctions worsen Cuba's crisis, causing shortages of fuel, food, and medicine.
Marta Hurtado, a spokesperson for Türk, noted that oil scarcity threatens healthcare and water supply.
The situation has intensified since the United States cut off oil from Venezuela, Cuba's main supplier.

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