Cuba: UN Warns of Possible Humanitarian ‘Collapse’ as Oil Supplies Dwindle

The United States has warned of tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, following a long-standing trade embargo and the recent US capture of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro. Venezuela, previously Cuba’s main oil provider, has seen the US increase its pressure on Cuba, including an executive order last Thursday threatening tariffs on nations selling oil to Cuba, such as Mexico.

“The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the worsening humanitarian situation in Cuba if its oil needs remain unmet,” stated UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric. The UN chief pointed out that the General Assembly has urged an end to the US embargo for over three decades, emphasizing the need for dialogue and adherence to international law.

Fuel shortages have driven up food prices, caused severe fuel shortages, and led to significant power outages across Cuba. “Recent events in Venezuela have sparked mixed emotions,” noted Francisco Pichon, the senior UN official in Cuba, highlighting resilience alongside grief and indignation over regional developments. Thirty-two Cubans were killed in Venezuela on 3 January during the US operation to capture Maduro.

Mr. Pichon, speaking from a blackout-afflicted Havana, highlighted that the majority of Cubans are facing power cuts, with an increase in people in vulnerable situations. Even prior to recent regional events, the UN has collaborated with the Cuban Government to foster development, especially towards economic diversification. “Energy transition is crucial due to limitations in fuel access and infrastructure,” Mr. Pichon noted, while emphasizing the challenges posed by investment bottlenecks.

“The past two years have been particularly challenging,” he stated, stressing the need for urgent changes to uphold Cuba’s social model amid severe economic and trade sanctions. Cuba’s economy, traditionally reliant on tourism, remains substantially below 2018 levels due to the COVID pandemic. As economic conditions worsen, Cuba’s social indicators, such as universal healthcare and education, are straining.

“All this is under the context of the US embargo against Cuba,” Mr. Pichon noted, adding that the US has also relisted Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism. “For the UN, our principles remain constant: being present, supporting, and acting with cooperation, respect for international law, and UN values.”

As the UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Pichon manages the work of 23 UN agencies, funds, and programmes. Here is an overview of some activities underway.

Hurricane Melissa struck Cuba as a Category 3 storm on 29 October. For the first time, anticipatory actions were initiated using funds from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), allowing pre-positioning of supplies like water purification units, food, hygiene kits, generators, medicines, and shelter supplies.

The UN initiated a $74 million Plan of Action to support recovery and aid over 2.2 million people impacted by the hurricane. About $23 million has been raised so far, targeting the most vulnerable million. “No lives were lost directly due to the hurricane,” Mr. Pichon said, crediting Cuba’s civil defense, though recovery demands remain vast, including rebuilding tens of thousands of homes.

The UN’s long-term involvement in Cuba is based on a cooperation framework aligned with Cuba’s National Development Plan and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This framework comprises four main pillars:

1. Institutional: The UN supported around 30 laws post-2019 constitutional reform, promoting equity and rights for women, children, LGBTQ+ persons, people of African descent, and persons with disabilities.

2. Economic: Focused on productive transformation and financing amid sanctions and the US listing of Cuba as a terrorism sponsor. The Joint SDG Fund aids countries in financing Sustainable Development Goals projects.

3. Environmental: Disaster risk management and climate resilience are priorities due to Cuba’s hurricane vulnerability. UN support aims to protect lives and livelihoods.

4. Social: Ensures social protection systems and addresses diverse needs, with a focus on vulnerable groups like people living with AIDS, the LGBTI community, children, adolescents, women, and the elderly in an aging society.