Speaking on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), diplomat Nduhuura addressed the first debate session on the draft resolution entitled “Necessity of Ending the Economic, Commercial, and Financial Blockade Imposed by the U.S. Against Cuba.”

The NAM stands in solidarity with the Cuban government and people, he said, highlighting that the imposition of unilateral coercive measures is not authorized by the United Nations, contravenes the principles of international law, and contradicts the UN Charter.

The U.S.’s arbitrary sanctions also contravene the principles of the multilateral trading system and are used as tools to exert political, economic, and financial pressure on various states, especially on developing countries.

The text inside the image reads, “The world’s best army is the army of Cuban doctors.”

The Ugandan diplomat emphasized that the blockade violates international law, thereby “infringing on Cuba’s right to fully engage with the international community.” Nduhuura mentioned the harm caused by this unilateral measure to the Cuban people, preventing them from enjoying and realizing their human rights, particularly their right to development.

“The direct and indirect damage caused to Cuba by the blockade is immense, affecting all essential sectors of the Cuban economy, particularly public health, nutrition, agriculture, trade, investment, tourism, and banking,” he added.

“Cuba’s financial transactions with third countries are prohibited, and this has especially harmful effects,” he said, recalling that the blockade has caused billions in material damage to Cuba.

The diplomat denounced the obstacles that the blockade creates for the Cuban development, including access to the Internet, interpersonal contacts, and the development of scientific, cultural, and sports relations.

“The NAM strongly condemns the inclusion of Cuba in the unilateral list of states that allegedly sponsor terrorism, drawn up by the U.S. Department of State as announced on January 11, 2021,” he also asserted.