EXPLAINED IN QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1- Why does the blockade represent a violation of international law?

Alexander Pankin, a representative of the Russian Federation at the United Nations: "Russia has always stood in solidarity with the people of Cuba, and calls for the immediate lifting of the blockade, which contradicts the Charter of the United Nations and interferes in the internal affairs of a State".

Bashar Jafari, a representative of the Syrian Arab Republic: "This is an infringement of the right to development. We are now 11 years away from the 2030 goal and no one can claim that the blockade does not undermine the social development of states''.

Nagaraj Naidu, a representative from India: "There can be little doubt that the existence of the blockade, which is at odds with world opinion, undermines the very foundations of the United Nations. We show solidarity with the call of this organization''.

 Valentin Rybakov, Permanent Ambassador of Belarus to the UN: "Belarus understands that any coercive and unilateral measure is a blatant violation of international law and the pillars of relations between States".

2- Why does the blockade have an impact on other countries?

Nguyen Phuong Nga, a Vietnamese representative: "We call on the US Government  to revert its policy toward Cuba, in favor of relations  between the two countries and global welfare and security".

Juan Ramón de la Fuente, Permanent Representative of Mexico to the United Nations: "The interest of  the US Government  in activating the application of Title III of the
Helms-Burton Act affects not only the Island but also third countries".

Dr. Riyad H. Mansour, Palestinian Ambassador to the United Nations, on behalf of the Group of 77 + China: "The urgency of this appeal is not only for Cuba but for the benefit it would bring to the international community''.

Chronology of the United Nations vote against the blockade on Cuba

3- Why is it a violation of human rights?

Yashar Aliyev, Permanent Representative of Azerbaijan: "The blockade against Cuba, imposed for almost 60 years, is an example of the adverse effect of these measures on the welfare of the people by violating their human rights, including the right to development''.

Macharia Kamau, Kenyan representative at the United Nations: "The sanctions unilaterally imposed by the US Government against Cuba, which appear to be perennial and general, are a clear abuse of human rights.

4- Why does the world vote in favor of Cuba?

Keisha McGuire, Grenada's ambassador to the United Nations: "Cuba was one of the first countries to help the population of the Bahamas immediately after Hurricane Dorian, which devastated parts of that country last September with catastrophic consequences, including loss of human lives''.

Jerry Matjila, a South African representative: "Cuba made a great sacrifice for the liberation of South Africa, many Cubans died for a free and democratic South Africa," remarked the diplomat.

Inga Rhonda King, a representative from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to the UN: "Cuba is an example of solidarity, many of our countries have made use of Cuba's help. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has been positively impacted by those programs and we will always be grateful to the Cuban people''.