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United Nations

US and Israel Vote Against UN Resolution to Lift Sanctions Against Cuba

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly in favor of a resolution calling for the lifting of US economic sanctions against Cuba, with 101 members voting in support and 48 abstaining. The US and Israel were the only countries to vote against the resolution, citing concerns over Cuba's human rights record and democracy. This is the third consecutive year that a General Assembly resolution has called on Washington to lift its 32-year-old embargo against Cuba.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US and Israel were the only countries to vote against the UN resolution, despite an overwhelming majority of 101 countries voting in favor.
  • The resolution, drafted by Cuba, expressed concern over the extraterritorial effects of the US embargo on other states' sovereignty.
  • The US representative to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations stated that the US would maintain the embargo to pressure the Castro regime to establish freedom and democracy.
  • The US embargo has caused damages exceeding $970 million to the Cuban economy, according to the Cuban Ambassador.
  • The Canadian representative expressed concern over the restrictions imposed by the embargo on Canada's freedom of trade.
  • The European Union's German Ambassador stated that the Union condemned the Castro regime but believed the US violating the principles of international law and the sovereignty of independent states.

Statistics:

  • 101 countries voted in favor of the resolution, while 48 countries abstained.
  • The US and Israel were the only countries to vote against the resolution.
  • The Cuban economy has suffered damages exceeding $970 million as a result of the US embargo.
  • In the previous year, 88 countries voted in favor of lifting the embargo, while 57 countries abstained and 4 were against.
  • The US embargo has been in place for 32 years.
  • 151 countries out of 184 participated in the UN General Assembly vote.

Sources:

  • Australian Broadcasting Corporation
  • New York Times
  • Written by Rym Brahimi at the United Nations
  • United Nations General Assembly resolution (A/RES/...)
  • U.N. Secretary-General's report

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