United Nations rights experts on Thursday (August 06) urged the international community to act quickly, warning that expanding US sanctions could push Cuba into a "full-blown crisis" and worsen the humanitarian situation on the island.&nbsp;Cuba has been under a US trade embargo since 1962. However, the experts said pressure has intensified in recent months after President Donald Trump expanded economic measures, including restrictions affecting the country's fuel supplies.&nbsp;The experts said the latest sanctions announced on July 23 targeted Cuba's energy sector, making fuel procurement even more difficult, including for humanitarian purposes. The measures came as the country faces acute fuel shortages and recently experienced its third major nationwide blackout.&nbsp;"The humanitarian consequences are already unfolding into a full-blown crisis, threatening the health rights, to life, to food and to development," the experts said. They also pointed to reports of uncollected waste in parts of Havana, warning that it has increased the risk of disease outbreaks.<h2>Trump's Cuba policy under scrutiny</h2>The experts said the US has expanded unilateral sanctions targeting key sectors of Cuba's economy since June 2026.&nbsp;Under Trump's second administration, an Executive Order signed in January 2026 declared a national emergency regarding Cuba and authorised US tariffs on countries supplying crude oil to the island.&nbsp;Another signed in May imposed secondary sanctions on non-US entities and foreign financial institutions that conduct business with Cuban state institutions or the military-run conglomerate GAESA.&nbsp;Experts said living conditions have worsened since the energy restrictions began in January. Millions of Cubans now struggle to access water, food and transport, while shortages of medicines and other essential supplies continue to grow.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-s-foreign-visits-cost-74-59-crore-in-2026-till-july-2025-recorded-highest-spending-1786014940930">PM Modi's foreign visits cost ₹74.59 crore in 2026 till July; 2025 recorded highest spending</a><h2>UN calls for immediate global response</h2>The experts said UN agencies working in Cuba have already warned of rising food insecurity and shortages of medicines and basic necessities.&nbsp;"Food must never be used as an instrument of political pressure. Measures that knowingly deprive a population of the means to survive strike at the most basic guarantees of the rights to life and diminish the core of human dignity," they said.&nbsp;"The US government must cease all threats and hostile acts against Cuba's sovereignty and revoke all measures it has imposed on the country that stand contrary to international law."&nbsp;The experts urged the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly to take up the issue urgently as a matter of international peace and security. The statement was issued by UN special rapporteurs, who serve independently under mandates from the Human Rights Council and do not speak on behalf of the United Nations.

US sanctions push Cuba into full blown crisis, UN experts urge UN actionUN rights experts warned that expanding US sanctions are pushing Cuba into a full blown humanitarian crisis and urged the international community to take urgent action to prevent the situation from worsening.

United Nations rights experts on Thursday (August 06) urged the international community to act quickly, warning that expanding US sanctions could push Cuba into a "full-blown crisis" and worsen the humanitarian situation on the island. Cuba has been under a US trade embargo since 1962. However, the experts said pressure has intensified in recent months after President Donald Trump expanded economic measures, including restrictions affecting the country's fuel supplies. The experts said the latest sanctions announced on July 23 targeted Cuba's energy sector, making fuel procurement even more difficult, including for humanitarian purposes. The measures came as the country faces acute fuel shortages and recently experienced its third major nationwide blackout. "The humanitarian consequences are already unfolding into a full-blown crisis, threatening the health rights, to life, to food and to development," the experts said. They also pointed to reports of uncollected waste in parts of Havana, warning that it has increased the risk of disease outbreaks. Trump's Cuba policy under scrutiny The experts said the US has expanded unilateral sanctions targeting key sectors of Cuba's economy since June 2026. Under Trump's second administration, an Executive Order signed in January 2026 declared a national emergency regarding Cuba and authorised US tariffs on countries supplying crude oil to the island. Another signed in May imposed secondary sanctions on non-US entities and foreign financial institutions that conduct business with Cuban state institutions or the military-run conglomerate GAESA. Experts said living conditions have worsened since the energy restrictions began in January. Millions of Cubans now struggle to access water, food and transport, while shortages of medicines and other essential supplies continue to grow. Also Read: PM Modi's foreign visits cost ₹74.59 crore in 2026 till July; 2025 recorded highest spending UN calls for immediate global response The experts said UN agencies working in Cuba have already warned of rising food insecurity and shortages of medicines and basic necessities. "Food must never be used as an instrument of political pressure. Measures that knowingly deprive a population of the means to survive strike at the most basic guarantees of the rights to life and diminish the core of human dignity," they said. "The US government must cease all threats and hostile acts against Cuba's sovereignty and revoke all measures it has imposed on the country that stand contrary to international law." The experts urged the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly to take up the issue urgently as a matter of international peace and security. The statement was issued by UN special rapporteurs, who serve independently under mandates from the Human Rights Council and do not speak on behalf of the United Nations.

US sanctions push Cuba into full blown crisis, UN experts urge UN actionUN rights experts warned that expanding US sanctions are pushing Cuba into a full blown humanitarian crisis and urged the international community to take urgent action to prevent the situation from worsening.

US sanctions pushing Cuba into full blown crisis: UN experts urge Security Council action

Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero on Thursday presented lawmakers with a broad package of economic reforms backed by the Communist Party and former leader Raúl Castro, as the island seeks to cope with mounting pressure from US sanctions and a fuel blockade.&nbsp;The proposals, which still require approval from the National Assembly, would significantly expand private-sector participation in the economy by allowing private real estate projects, permitting private banks to operate, and converting state-owned enterprises into commercial entities with equity stakes.&nbsp;During a two-hour address to the National Assembly, Marrero outlined 176 reforms covering banking, wages, business ownership, foreign investment and agriculture.&nbsp;&nbsp;Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel had called for "urgent changes" to prevent economic collapse amid growing pressure from the United States.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-lifts-naval-blockade-as-mou-comes-into-force-what-s-next-for-us-iran-1781811406358">US military lifts naval blockade as MoU comes into force; what's next for US-Iran?</a>&nbsp;The reform package, endorsed by the Communist Party, would introduce major changes to the role of private enterprise. For the first time, companies employing more than 100 workers would be allowed. Citizens would be permitted to own more than one business, while foreign investment in privately owned firms would also be authorised.&nbsp;Marrero said tourism, agriculture and the currency market would be opened to both domestic and international private investors. He did not provide a timeline for implementing the measures, although Diaz Canel urged party members not to delay difficult decisions.&nbsp;While Cuban authorities have often linked the country's economic challenges to the long-standing US trade embargo and more recent restrictions, Diaz Canel acknowledged the existence of "obstacles that don't come from outside, nor the blockade."&nbsp;The oil blockade imposed by President Donald Trump in January has pushed Cuba's already weakened economy closer to collapse, resulting in power cuts that can last more than 30 hours and shortages of food, fuel, drinking water and medicine.&nbsp;Commenting on the scale of the reforms, London-based economist Daniel Torralbas described them as "the most profound economic reform program... since the 1959 revolution" of Fidel Castro. He added, "It represents a significant shift in the country's economic development model."

PM Marrero outlined 176 reforms aimed at expanding the private sector, including allowing private real estate development, authorising private banks and transforming state-owned enterprises into commercial entities with equity stakes.

Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero on Thursday presented lawmakers with a broad package of economic reforms backed by the Communist Party and former leader Raúl Castro, as the island seeks to cope with mounting pressure from US sanctions and a fuel blockade. The proposals, which still require approval from the National Assembly, would significantly expand private-sector participation in the economy by allowing private real estate projects, permitting private banks to operate, and converting state-owned enterprises into commercial entities with equity stakes. During a two-hour address to the National Assembly, Marrero outlined 176 reforms covering banking, wages, business ownership, foreign investment and agriculture. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel had called for "urgent changes" to prevent economic collapse amid growing pressure from the United States. Also Read: US military lifts naval blockade as MoU comes into force; what's next for US-Iran? The reform package, endorsed by the Communist Party, would introduce major changes to the role of private enterprise. For the first time, companies employing more than 100 workers would be allowed. Citizens would be permitted to own more than one business, while foreign investment in privately owned firms would also be authorised. Marrero said tourism, agriculture and the currency market would be opened to both domestic and international private investors. He did not provide a timeline for implementing the measures, although Diaz Canel urged party members not to delay difficult decisions. While Cuban authorities have often linked the country's economic challenges to the long-standing US trade embargo and more recent restrictions, Diaz Canel acknowledged the existence of "obstacles that don't come from outside, nor the blockade." The oil blockade imposed by President Donald Trump in January has pushed Cuba's already weakened economy closer to collapse, resulting in power cuts that can last more than 30 hours and shortages of food, fuel, drinking water and medicine. Commenting on the scale of the reforms, London-based economist Daniel Torralbas described them as "the most profound economic reform program... since the 1959 revolution" of Fidel Castro. He added, "It represents a significant shift in the country's economic development model."

PM Marrero outlined 176 reforms aimed at expanding the private sector, including allowing private real estate development, authorising private banks and transforming state-owned enterprises into commercial entities with equity stakes.

Cuba turns capitalist? PM Manuel Marrero unveils biggest ever free market reforms amid US pressure

Cuba has marked the 95th birthday of former leader Raul Castro at a time of mounting economic and geopolitical challenges. Castro, who led the country until 2018, was last seen publicly during the May Day rally in Havana.

The island nation is currently grappling with severe diesel and fuel oil shortages, worsening economic hardships and growing pressure from the United States. As concerns mount over Cuba's future, the country finds itself navigating one of the most difficult periods in recent years.

Cuba Under Pressure As Raul Castro Turns 95 Amid Fuel Crisis & U.S. Tensions

Cuba is bracing for a potential invasion from the United States, as negotiations with the Trump administration have produced no concrete results. Lianys Torres Rivera, the Cuban ambassador to the US, in an interview with the US media, The Hill, said that they were preparing to defend themselves “now more than ever”. Rivera said that it was a critical 24-hour period for Cuba. The US blockade of Cuba has led to a complete exhaustion of its fuel supplies, leading to widespread protests in the streets.&nbsp;“When they are enduring 20 hours of blackouts, they have grievances, and they express them,” Rivera told The Hill. She again warned that the US should not confuse that with a Cuban surrender or a weakening Cuban resolve. She cautioned against taking a “wrong reading” of the situation.&nbsp;“We are preparing for this,” Torres Rivera told The Hill of an invasion.“Now we are doing more than ever. We cannot be naive. We cannot be naive. And in the way that we are preparing, it’s not in an offensive way. It’s not that we are preparing to be the first to do any action against the US territory or against the US people. We don’t want that. We are preparing to defend ourselves. And our minister was saying the other day, it could be a big mistake. It could be a bloodbath. We don’t want Cubans dying in Cuba,” she said, nor “any American soldier.”The US have already floated ideas of “friendly takeover” of Cuba in February 2026, Trump called it a “failed nation”. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the current regime “incompetent”.“It’s in our national interest, and to have a prosperous Cuba, not to have a failed state 90 miles from our shores,” &nbsp;said Rubio. Marco Rubio, for years identified as belonging to a family of exiles of Cuban communist rule, later backtracked following a report by The Washington Post which revealed his parents, Mario and Oriales Rubio, actually immigrated legally to the US on a commercial flight in May 1956. This was over two and a half years before the Cuban Revolution succeeded. They left during the right-wing dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista primarily for economic opportunities.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latvia-pm-evika-silina-resigns-ukrainian-drone-crisis-1778908302959">Russia mocks Latvian PM Evika Siliņa's resignation as 'Zelensky curse' - What’s next for Latvia?</a>“We want Cubans not to have to leave that island to be successful. But they can’t, because the current model they have … it’s broken. It doesn’t work, and it’ll never change, as long as the people that are there now are running it,” said Rubio.&nbsp;The Trump administration has publicly offered $100 million in humanitarian aid and free satellite internet to the island in May 2026. However, this financing comes with strict political stipulations: the Cuban government must enact sweeping, structural free-market and political reforms to receive the money. The administration has explicitly warned Cuban leaders to “make a deal before it's too late”.CBS News on Thursday reported that the Trump administration was preparing to indict former Cuban President Raúl Castro on charges in connection with the shooting down of planes 30 years ago, something similar to the absurd trial of the abducted Venezuelan leader, Nicolas Maduro.&nbsp;Cuba has recently opened its economy, announcing in March that it would allow Cubans living abroad to invest in the country and open businesses. The government also signed into law a policy giving small businesses&nbsp;greater autonomy. But this did not impress the US, which had been strangling the economy for decades.&nbsp;“Cuba has done nothing to put in danger the U.S., to put in danger your way of life, to put in danger your businesses, your national security. We are not a threat to the U.S., so there’s no reason for the US to invade Cuba or take any military action against Cuba. We are a small island that wants only to be left alone to decide our future in the way that Cubans want,” said Lianys Torres Rivera. In March 2026, Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío confirmed that the country is preparing for the "possibility of military aggression".The Cuban government is running drills in preparation for an invasion, said President Miguel Díaz-Canel, in a rare interview with a US media outlet.&nbsp;

Cuba says it is preparing for a possible US invasion as negotiations with the Trump administration fail to produce results. Amid blackouts, protests and economic crisis, Cuban officials warn that military action could become a “bloodbath”.

Cuba is bracing for a potential invasion from the United States, as negotiations with the Trump administration have produced no concrete results. Lianys Torres Rivera, the Cuban ambassador to the US, in an interview with the US media, The Hill, said that they were preparing to defend themselves “now more than ever”. Rivera said that it was a critical 24-hour period for Cuba. The US blockade of Cuba has led to a complete exhaustion of its fuel supplies, leading to widespread protests in the streets. “When they are enduring 20 hours of blackouts, they have grievances, and they express them,” Rivera told The Hill. She again warned that the US should not confuse that with a Cuban surrender or a weakening Cuban resolve. She cautioned against taking a “wrong reading” of the situation. “We are preparing for this,” Torres Rivera told The Hill of an invasion. “Now we are doing more than ever. We cannot be naive. We cannot be naive. And in the way that we are preparing, it’s not in an offensive way. It’s not that we are preparing to be the first to do any action against the US territory or against the US people. We don’t want that. We are preparing to defend ourselves. And our minister was saying the other day, it could be a big mistake. It could be a bloodbath. We don’t want Cubans dying in Cuba,” she said, nor “any American soldier.” The US have already floated ideas of “friendly takeover” of Cuba in February 2026, Trump called it a “failed nation”. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the current regime “incompetent”.“It’s in our national interest, and to have a prosperous Cuba, not to have a failed state 90 miles from our shores,” said Rubio. Marco Rubio, for years identified as belonging to a family of exiles of Cuban communist rule, later backtracked following a report by The Washington Post which revealed his parents, Mario and Oriales Rubio, actually immigrated legally to the US on a commercial flight in May 1956. This was over two and a half years before the Cuban Revolution succeeded. They left during the right-wing dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista primarily for economic opportunities. Also Read: Russia mocks Latvian PM Evika Siliņa's resignation as 'Zelensky curse' - What’s next for Latvia? “We want Cubans not to have to leave that island to be successful. But they can’t, because the current model they have … it’s broken. It doesn’t work, and it’ll never change, as long as the people that are there now are running it,” said Rubio. The Trump administration has publicly offered $100 million in humanitarian aid and free satellite internet to the island in May 2026. However, this financing comes with strict political stipulations: the Cuban government must enact sweeping, structural free-market and political reforms to receive the money. The administration has explicitly warned Cuban leaders to “make a deal before it's too late”. CBS News on Thursday reported that the Trump administration was preparing to indict former Cuban President Raúl Castro on charges in connection with the shooting down of planes 30 years ago, something similar to the absurd trial of the abducted Venezuelan leader, Nicolas Maduro. Cuba has recently opened its economy, announcing in March that it would allow Cubans living abroad to invest in the country and open businesses. The government also signed into law a policy giving small businesses greater autonomy. But this did not impress the US, which had been strangling the economy for decades. “Cuba has done nothing to put in danger the U.S., to put in danger your way of life, to put in danger your businesses, your national security. We are not a threat to the U.S., so there’s no reason for the US to invade Cuba or take any military action against Cuba. We are a small island that wants only to be left alone to decide our future in the way that Cubans want,” said Lianys Torres Rivera. In March 2026, Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío confirmed that the country is preparing for the "possibility of military aggression".The Cuban government is running drills in preparation for an invasion, said President Miguel Díaz-Canel, in a rare interview with a US media outlet.

Cuba says it is preparing for a possible US invasion as negotiations with the Trump administration fail to produce results. Amid blackouts, protests and economic crisis, Cuban officials warn that military action could become a “bloodbath”.

Cuba braces for possible US military action amid blackouts, protests and Trump pressure

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US sanctions pushing Cuba into full blown crisis: UN experts urge Security Council action

Cuba turns capitalist? Havana opens up its economy with free market reforms

Cuba Under Pressure As Raul Castro Turns 95 Amid Fuel Crisis & U.S. Tensions

Cuba braces for possible US intervention amid blackouts, protests and pressure