Sri Lanka, June 1, 2021. – The association of graduates in Cuba issued a statement condemning the United States blockade against Cuba.
Here is the full text of the statement:
“31st of May 2021
Unjustifiable Sanctions towards Loving Cuban Families
As Cuban graduates, we had the privilege to study in a country that treats everybody equally and who establishes the innocent mindset among their population. Cuba is giving free education unconditionally for thousands of foreign students who are coming from very poor countries without any expectation or benefit in return. It is a known factor that the Cuban government practices the best human rights in the world in which we experienced it.
First of all, we would like to extend our sympathies to the Cuban families about the current situation due to the COVID-19. It is a visible aspect that the economic blockade of the United States against Cuba is the fundamental impediment to acquiring medicines, equipment and materials required to face the COVID 19 pandemic, and to lend and receive international aid to Cuba. We trust the use of sanctions as a foreign policy tool is inadmissible during a pandemic. In these situations, the spirit of cooperation, multilateralism, and solidarity in front of Covid-19 must prevail.
Despite the blockade, Cuba sets an example of solidarity with the world. We have seen Cuba has extended medical assistance by providing medicines and sending medical personal to various countries around the world to support the fight against the Corona virus. And allowing to disembark 700 passengers of a UK cruise ship while many governments refusing, shows how Cuba extend their hands towards the international community despite race, religion and political background of a country. As we are aware, Cuba developed their own vaccine “Soberana-2” and “Abdala”. The Cuban government already started to vaccinate people. They plan to vaccinate 70% of the population by the end of August.
Humanity demands an effective solution to the pandemic. Together we can do it. US policy of Economic blockade and added sanctions to third parties through Helms-Burton Act is cruel and inhumane. These actions clearly violate international law and are against the United Nation’s Charter. Therefore, our association joins in the rejection of the brutal US blockade and demands an end to the unjust, illegal blockade against Cuba.”
(Embacuba Sri Lanka)
