New York, 10 June 2021. In the midst of a global health crisis, a change in US policy toward Cuba becomes more urgent, taking actions aimed at normalizing relations with the island, and immediately suspending those measures of the blockade that impede the timely acquisition of materials and inputs needed to address the COVID-19 pandemic in Cuba, including for domestic production of vaccines and medical treatments.
It is so described by OXFAM, an international confederation of non-governmental organizations, in its report on the impact of US coercive measures on the Cuban population after more than six decades of sanctions imposed by successive US administrations.
In another section, the document urges the Biden administration to return to the path laid out by the Presidential Policy Directive of October 2016 for “United States–Cuba Normalization” as a starting point to rebuild the relationship, and follow through on statements made in this regard during the presidential campaign.
In addition, it demands the following actions:
To remove Cuba from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism and suspend the application of Title III of the Helms-Burton Act.
To repeal the National Security Presidential Memorandum on strengthening the policy of the US toward Cuba, issued in 2017.
To remove the restrictions on remittances and travel imposed by the Trump administration in order to help Cuban families, the emerging non-state sector, and the national economy.
To reestablish diplomatic services, enabling staffing levels needed in both embassies to facilitate consular services and a bilateral dialogue on topics of mutual interest.
Moreover, Oxfam urges members of the US Congress to end the blockade and related constraints on economic, social, and political relations with Cuba.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations
