UN again calls for an end to the Cuba embargo, but with the lowest support in 20 years

United Nations — The UN General Assembly approved on Wednesday, for the 34th consecutive time since 1992, the resolution calling for an end to the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States on Cuba, with 130 votes in favor, 17 against and 25 abstentions.

Support fell sharply from 2025, when the same text won 165 votes in favor, 7 against and 12 abstentions: it is the lowest favorable vote in 20 years. Cuba blamed the drop on an unusual deployment of pressure from Washington to peel away support for the draft.

Voting against were the United States, Israel and, among others, Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Paraguay and Trinidad and Tobago. Colombia, Ecuador and Costa Rica changed their positions from last year. Abstaining were Germany, Italy and several Latin American countries, including Chile, Honduras, Peru and the Dominican Republic, which had not taken part in the 2025 vote.

Venezuela did not take part in the vote because its voting rights are suspended over arrears in its UN dues. According to a letter from Secretary-General António Guterres, the country must pay at least $123 million to bring its debt below the threshold that triggers the loss of voting rights.

The resolution is non-binding and does not oblige Washington to lift the sanctions, but it reflects the view of the General Assembly, the most representative body of international diplomacy. The debate took place amid rising tensions between Washington and Havana, after two executive orders from President Donald Trump sanctioning those who sell oil to the island or trade with it, and an exchange in the chamber between U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez.

Photo: Archivo A Lo Claro

Source: Analítica and La Jornada