COSATU strongly condemns the unjustifiable US embargo against Cuba, waged as an economic war and general fascination of persecution. The federation notes that at the very core of the embargo is the intention to deprive the Cuban people of their socio-economic rights and put them in dire need of basic items, leading to social unrest and a rise against their revolutionary government.
Cuba is a Marxist–Leninist state par excellence. The state has been instrumental in providing free healthcare, education, low-cost transportation and housing for its people. However, under the current circumstances, the Cuban people cannot freely and actively participate in the global economy. This is crippling the Cuban economy as it is an obstacle for development and growth – and the primary hindrance in Cuba’s implementation of Agenda 2030 on sustainable development. COSATU reverberates the message from the international community that this systematic violation of human rights qualifies as an act of genocide by the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide of 1948. It contravenes the United Nations (UN) Charter and international law and constitutes an obstacle for international cooperation.
Cuba’s contributions to advancing and defending human rights extend beyond the geographical boundaries of the island nation. Since its inception, the Cuban Revolution has made – and continues to make – an invaluable contribution to the global struggle for human rights, justice, social development and human dignity. Cuba has established an unparalleled legacy of internationalism and humanitarianism, embodying the immortal words of José MartÃ: “Homeland is Humanity, Humanity is Homeland”. In the struggle to defeat the racist apartheid regime in South Africa, more than 2000 Cubans gave their lives. This has not been – nor will ever be – forgotten by Africans. The late Nelson Mandela stated: “The Cuban people hold a special place in the hearts of the people of Africa. The Cuban internationalists have made a contribution to African independence, freedom and justice, unparalleled for its principled and selfless character. Cubans came to our region as doctors, teachers, soldiers, agricultural experts, but never as colonisers”.
