A collective of former world leaders from various regions has urged President Joseph Biden to reconsider U.S. sanctions on Cuba and remove it from the State Sponsors of Terrorism (SSOT) list. In a letter dated September 11, 2024, the leaders highlighted the severe impact of sanctions on Cuba's economy, describing it as being at a 'point of no return' [124cd187]. They recalled the diplomatic progress made during the Obama administration and argued that ideological alignment should not dictate international relations. The letter criticized the contradictory U.S. policy of labeling Cuba as a terrorist supporter while acknowledging its cooperation against terrorism [124cd187]. Furthermore, the leaders emphasized the humanitarian crisis in Cuba, exacerbated by sanctions, and called for a historic gesture from Biden to promote peace and understanding [124cd187].
Adding to the growing international pressure, almost 600 parliamentarians from 73 countries, including notable figures from Spain, Colombia, and Ecuador, have also urged their governments to advocate for the removal of Cuba from the U.S. terrorism list. This letter, coordinated by Progressive International, describes the designation as 'cruel, cynical, and a clear violation of international law' [7b0b7371]. The parliamentarians called on President Biden to act similarly to Barack Obama in 2015, reversing Donald Trump's 2021 decision that reinstated the designation. They argue that the sanctions imposed by this designation restrict access to food and medicine, undermining fundamental human rights according to the UN [7b0b7371].
Former University of the West Indies (UWI) International Relations Professor, Mark Kirton, believes that Cuba could soon be removed from the U.S. list of terrorism sponsors. Kirton states that Cuba has made significant efforts to be part of the global anti-terrorism movement and that the U.S. and Cuba have a less tense relationship [a2c66211]. If the Biden administration removes Cuba from the list, it would signal globally that Cuba is not engaged in terrorism. Kirton also credits the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) for consistently backing Cuba and voting against the U.S. economic blockade.
The calls from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Baptist groups, and Whitney's article in CounterPunch underscore the growing international pressure on the United States to end the economic ban on Cuba. The appeals highlight the dire humanitarian conditions in Cuba caused by the economic blockade and emphasize the need for solidarity and support from the international community [f4457cc5] [0bc520e2] [c4ab96ec].
The economic ban on Cuba has had severe consequences on the country's economy and people, hindering access to essential resources and impacting various sectors, including healthcare and education [19e84020]. Critics argue that the sanctions have impeded Cuba's ability to obtain medical supplies, including COVID-19 vaccines and medicine for childhood cancers [f20f5093]. The dire economic situation in Cuba has led to food shortages, rising street crime, and mass migration [48dfac6a].
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and three Baptist groups have added their voices to the growing international pressure on the West, particularly the United States, to lift the economic ban on Cuba [f4457cc5] [0bc520e2]. The NLC, represented by President Joe Ajaero, met with the Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria and expressed solidarity with Cuba, commending its resilience in the face of the economic blockade [f4457cc5]. The NLC called on Nigeria and the international community to pressure the United States to take action [f4457cc5]. In recognition of the NLC's support, the Cuban Ambassador presented Ajaero with 'The Friendship Medal' [f4457cc5]. The NLC pledged to continue working with the Cuban Embassy to promote social justice and eradicate discrimination [f4457cc5].
Similarly, three Baptist groups, including the Alliance of Baptists, American Baptist Home Mission Societies, and Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America, joined 17 other church-based entities in urging President Joe Biden to make major changes in bilateral relations with Cuba [0bc520e2]. They called for the removal of Cuba from the State Sponsors of Terrorism List at the U.S. Department of State, citing the dire humanitarian conditions on the island caused by failed U.S. foreign policies and Cuban economic policies [0bc520e2]. The church bodies expressed concern about the shortages of food, medicine, and energy in Cuba, as well as the critical need for relief in hospitals [0bc520e2]. They also highlighted how the listing of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism has limited their ability to provide crucial assistance and financial aid to Cuban partners [0bc520e2]. The Baptist groups called on President Biden to remove Cuba from the list, end the economic embargo, and normalize relations with the country [0bc520e2].
In a recent article published in People's World, W. T. Whitney Jr. discusses the need for U.S. labor to take a stance on Cuba and highlights the historical connection between U.S. labor activism and workers' struggles in Cuba [a7be4df5]. Whitney argues that the U.S. economic blockade of Cuba violates international law and has led to shortages and despair [a7be4df5]. He calls on U.S. labor unions and activists to support Cuba and press their government to end the blockade [a7be4df5]. Whitney references José Martí's 1886 essay 'A Terrible Drama,' which recounts the Haymarket events in Chicago and the execution of labor journalists and agitators, to emphasize the importance of solidarity between workers in both countries [a7be4df5]. He points out that Martí defended U.S. workers fighting for the eight-hour day and that U.S. working people can express solidarity with Cuban workers by ending the blockade [a7be4df5]. Whitney urges labor unions to fulfill their responsibility to act, as they have done in the past in opposing authoritarian regimes and supporting workers' struggles [a7be4df5].
Independent experts have called on the United States to remove Cuba from its list of State Sponsors of Terrorism (SSOT) due to severe economic and humanitarian challenges faced by the country. The SSOT designation has led to additional economic and financial restrictions, including expanded trade prohibitions, suspension of U.S. government financial and technical assistance, opposition to international financial support for Cuba, and threats to cut U.S. aid to other countries assisting Cuba. The restrictions have worsened Cuba's struggles during the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and disruptions in global supply chains and commodity prices, resulting in severe food insecurity and reduced agricultural production. The SSOT designation has also complicated the licensing of exports of medicines and medical equipment to Cuba, leading to critical shortages in healthcare services. The experts argue that the SSOT designation contradicts international law principles and have communicated their concerns to the U.S. Government, urging a prompt review and removal of the restrictions [b9e315c4].