The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has urged United Nations member states to support a resolution calling for an end to the longstanding United States economic, commercial and financial blockade against Cuba, citing its reported impact on the fundamental rights and welfare of ordinary citizens.
The appeal comes ahead of the United Nations General Assembly vote scheduled for October 28 on the question of ending the restrictions imposed on the Caribbean nation.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its National President, Comrade ‘Yinka Folarin, and National Secretary, Comrade Idris Afees, the Nigerian human rights organisation expressed solidarity with the Cuban government and people.
CDHR drew attention to Cuba’s report covering March 2025 to February 2026, which documented the reported consequences of the blockade for access to essential goods and services.
The organisation said the restrictions raised serious humanitarian and socioeconomic concerns, with implications for the rights to life, health, food, an adequate standard of living and development.
It maintained that economic and financial measures should not impose disproportionate hardship on ordinary citizens or undermine their ability to access basic necessities.
According to CDHR, the protection of human dignity must remain central to international relations and efforts to resolve disputes between countries.
The organisation noted that the issue extended beyond diplomatic disagreements between Washington and Havana, raising broader questions about the international community’s responsibility to uphold the principles of the United Nations Charter, international cooperation and respect for human rights.
It observed that the UN General Assembly had repeatedly considered calls to end the embargo against Cuba, urging member states to give serious consideration to the humanitarian concerns highlighted in the latest report.
CDHR also called on the United States and Cuba to pursue constructive dialogue and peaceful diplomatic engagement to resolve their differences, remove the restrictions and improve living conditions for the Cuban people.
The organisation further urged the United Nations and relevant international institutions to give adequate consideration to the human rights implications of economic, commercial and financial restrictions in international decision-making.
“The rights and welfare of ordinary people must not be overlooked in the pursuit of political or diplomatic objectives,” the organisation said.
Reaffirming its solidarity with Cuba, CDHR said its position reflected the belief that human rights were universal and indivisible, regardless of nationality, political system or geographical location.
As the October 28 vote approaches, the organisation urged UN member states to consider the wider implications of the blockade for international cooperation, sustainable development and the protection of fundamental human rights.
It stressed that international disputes should be resolved through dialogue, cooperation and peaceful engagement, with the protection of human life and human welfare at the centre of all decisions.
