Venezuela Condemns at UN the Effects of Coercive Measures Against Cuba

Speaking at the 80th session of the multilateral body, Venezuelan diplomat Coromoto Godoy expressed solidarity with the island in the face of the "aggravated humanitarian situation" and economic, commercial, and financial measures that punish an entire people.

She stressed that these affect all crucial sectors of the economy, including public health, nutrition, and agriculture, as well as banking, trade, investment, and tourism. They also deprive Cuba of access to markets, international financial aid, and technology transfers, while hindering the country's socioeconomic development and countering Cuba's efforts to achieve sustainable development, including the goals set in the 2030 Agenda.

Godoy affirmed that "we are not facing an abstract debate" but rather real consequences for the life, health, and survival of an entire people, given limitations that compromise the functioning of essential services. She stressed that these make it difficult to acquire food, medicines, medical supplies, and access to critical care such as maternal-child care, radiotherapy, and dialysis, which are affected.

On behalf of her government, the Venezuelan representative denounced that these practices constitute a collective punishment that "does not distinguish, negotiate, or prioritize human life." She estimated that this approach is contrary to the spirit of the UN Charter, which is the legal shield that should protect peoples.

The Bolivarian diplomat called on states to refrain from enacting any unilateral economic, financial, or commercial measures outside international law and the UN Charter. She stressed that Venezuela intervened in this debate with the purpose of reaffirming "its commitments to principles that are not subject to circumstances or particular interests" but rather constitute the basis of the international order enshrined in that document.

Godoy mentioned the sovereign equality of states, non-intervention in internal affairs, and the prohibition of the threat or use of force.

The Venezuelan representative affirmed that the General Assembly has a particular responsibility: to uphold the purposes and principles of the Charter and ensure that the international community does not normalize humanitarian deterioration as a foreseeable result of coercive measures.