The European Union’s Special Representative for Human Rights, Eamon Gilmore, recently stated that US sanctions are exacerbating the human rights crisis in Cuba. During the EU-Cuba human rights dialogue, Gilmore publicly recognized the detrimental impact of the embargo, calling for the release of detainees from the protests of July 2021. Notably, he told reporters that these sanctions are negatively affecting the human rights situation and impacting ordinary Cuban citizens. He stated and explain to reporters.
The dialogue Gilbert co-chaired was in line with the Accord for a Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement signed in 2016 between the European Union and the Republic of Cuba. The EU aims to place sanctions on individuals and entities that violate human rights, rather than targeting general populations. Gilmore added that the effects of US sanctions are hindering civilians from accessing essentials such as food and medicine, subsequently harming the economy.
The United Nations (UN) also criticized the US sanctions in 2019. An independent expert appointed by the UN Human Rights Council echoed Gilmore’s view, stating that the sanctions are violative of human rights and the international code of conduct due to their coercive and unilateral nature.
In addition to the current economic crisis, a series of protests enveloped Cuba in July 2021. Triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, inadequate living standards, food shortages, and intensified by embargo and sanctions, the Cuban police are alleged to have used excessive force against peaceful demonstrators and detained political activists and journalists on charges of sedition. The EU condemned these arrests, referring to the sentencing as disproportionate and reiterated the Cuban government’s responsibility to respect human rights and freedoms of its people.
In light of Gilmore’s visit, Amnesty International published an Op-Ed by Camila Rodriguez, which focuses on highlighting economic concerns and human rights abuses in Cuba, urging swift action to address these issues.