The United Nations has issued one of its strongest criticisms yet of Washington’s sanctions policy toward Cuba, warning that tighter United States restrictions are contributing to worsening health outcomes, including rising infant mortality and declining survival rates among children with cancer.
According to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, recent measures by the administration of President Donald Trump have severely limited Cuba’s access to fuel, food, water, and healthcare, placing the country’s most vulnerable citizens at greater risk.
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“The fuel restrictions imposed since early 2026 and recent tightening of extraterritorial sanctions, taken together, are directly harming Cubans, especially the most vulnerable,” Türk said. He added that children are dying because medical professionals are unable to obtain essential medicines and supplies, calling the situation “unacceptable” and urging the immediate lifting of the sanctions.
The UN reported that conditions on the island have deteriorated sharply since Washington declared a national emergency in January, disrupting fuel shipments and deepening shortages across key sectors. Daily blackouts now frequently exceed 20 hours in some areas, affecting hospitals, water systems and food distribution networks.
Recent public health data cited by the UN shows infant mortality has reportedly doubled to 9.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, while childhood cancer survival rates have fallen from 85 percent to 65 percent since the latest fuel restrictions were introduced. The organization also noted that supplies of essential medicines have dropped to roughly 30 percent of required levels.
The sanctions have also affected humanitarian operations. The UN said that concerns among shipping companies about potential U.S. penalties have disrupted the delivery of millions of kilograms of humanitarian food aid destined for Cuba.
Responding to the criticism, the U.S. State Department maintained that American sanctions do not prohibit legitimate humanitarian assistance delivered through approved channels and argued that food and medical goods remain exempt from the embargo. U.S. officials have said the measures are aimed at pressuring the Cuban government, not the Cuban people.
While calling for sanctions relief, the UN also urged the Cuban government to release political prisoners and engage in dialogue aimed at reducing social tensions.
The latest warning comes amid growing international concern over Cuba’s economic and humanitarian challenges, with the UN cautioning that continued shortages of fuel, medicine and basic necessities could further deepen the crisis.
