Every year, the United Nations hosts a vote that serves as a striking reminder of a world united against a long-standing geopolitical issue. This year, once again, the world has condemned the U.S. blockade on Cuba—with the United States and Israel standing as the only dissenting voices. In this post, let’s explore what the UN vote represents, why this pattern repeats annually, and what it means for Cuba, the U.S., and the rest of the world.

A Familiar Outcome at the UN

On November 1st, the United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly voted in favor of a resolution calling for an end to the U.S. economic, commercial, and financial embargo on Cuba. The result? 187 countries voted for the resolution, while only two—the United States and Israel—voted against it. It’s an outcome that has become almost routine, underscoring the isolation of U.S. policy regarding Cuba on the world stage.

The vote, which has been taking place annually since 1992, has consistently shown the vast majority of the international community's opposition to the embargo. Nations across Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America have all condemned the blockade, highlighting its inhumane impact on the Cuban population, hindering access to essential resources, and suffocating economic opportunities.

The Impact of the Embargo on Cuba

The embargo, which has been in place for over six decades, is more than just a restriction on trade—it’s a tool that profoundly affects the daily lives of Cuban citizens. The blockade limits access to medical supplies, food, and other essentials, creating significant hardship for the Cuban people. Reports suggest that the embargo has cost the Cuban economy over $150 billion in damages, impacting the livelihoods of millions of individuals.

The Cuban government, alongside numerous international organizations, has frequently pointed out that the embargo is a violation of international law and a barrier to human rights. The United Nations vote serves as a symbol of solidarity for the Cuban people, even if it lacks the legal force to compel the United States to change its course.

Why Do the U.S. and Israel Stand Alone?

The repeated votes against the resolution by the United States and Israel reflect a mixture of historical factors, geopolitical interests, and domestic politics. For the U.S., the embargo is often defended as a means of pressuring the Cuban government towards democratic reforms, though critics argue that it has been ineffective and counterproductive. Many point out that it’s largely driven by political considerations, particularly the influence of Cuban-American voters in key U.S. states.

Israel's alignment with the U.S. is also noteworthy, reflecting broader geopolitical partnerships and perhaps a desire not to undermine its crucial ally in the international arena. Nevertheless, this stance leaves both nations in stark contrast to the rest of the world, which sees the embargo as an outdated remnant of Cold War politics.

A Call for Change

The annual UN vote may be symbolic, but it carries a powerful message. It underscores the overwhelming global consensus that the embargo is an outdated policy that punishes the Cuban people more than it impacts the government. The world’s consistent demand for the lifting of the blockade echoes calls for a new era of engagement, cooperation, and respect for Cuba's sovereignty.

Despite the vote, the embargo remains in place, and for the people of Cuba, the hardships continue. However, the international community’s unified stance sends a clear message: It’s time for the United States to reconsider its approach and align itself with the rest of the world in the pursuit of fairness, justice, and humanity.

Conclusion

The UN vote against the U.S. embargo on Cuba is a reminder of the significant gap between U.S. policy and global opinion. While the blockade remains a point of contention, the repeated condemnation from the international community highlights the urgency for change. Ending the embargo would not only alleviate the suffering of the Cuban people but also mark a new chapter in U.S.-Cuba relations, one based on dialogue and mutual respect.

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