UN General Assembly condemns US embargo on Cuba with overwhelming vote

On 7 July, the United Nations General Assembly voted 136‑9‑30 to condemn the United States' embargo on Cuba, marking a decisive rebuke of the long‑standing blockade. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez called the embargo a “multidimensional, non‑conventional war” that has caused billions of dollars in economic damage and severe humanitarian effects. The United States, after failing to block the special session, issued a warning through a State Department communiqué that it would continue to use all tools under the pretext of national security. A leaked memo signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio instructed U.S. embassies worldwide to pressure host governments against the debate. U.S. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz denied the existence of a blockade, accusing the Cuban regime instead. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk condemned the sanctions, noting that children are dying due to lack of medical supplies. The vote underscores broad international opposition to the embargo and heightens diplomatic tensions between Washington and Havana.