“Collective economic punishment has no place in international relations. The Cuban people deserve solidarity, not escalation.”
By Sinn Féin
Sinn Féin Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD, has said the deepening humanitarian crisis in Cuba is being driven by the intensification of the long-standing US blockade, and that Ireland must use its diplomatic influence to press for its immediate lifting and to ensure the free flow of fuel, medicines and essential supplies to the Cuban people.
Speaking this morning, Teachta Ó Laoghaire said: “The humanitarian situation in Cuba is worsening rapidly. Fuel shortages have led to energy rationing, disruption to hospitals and food production, and now aviation fuel shortages that have forced airlines to suspend or alter flights. Tourism – a vital sector of the Cuban economy – is being hit again. This crisis is being deepened by the intensification of the US blockade, including new threats of tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba – measures that further restrict access to energy and essential goods.
“In recent days, Mexico has sent over 800 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Cuba, including milk, rice, beans and other essential supplies, with further shipments pledged. That level of emergency assistance underlines the seriousness of the situation. For more than six decades, the US blockade has constrained Cuba’s access to trade, finance, fuel and medicines. Its impact falls directly on the Cuban people. Year after year, the UN General Assembly has voted overwhelmingly to call for the lifting of the blockade. The international community’s position is clear.
“Ireland must also be clear. The Irish Government should use its diplomatic influence – bilaterally with the United States, through the European Union and at the United Nations – to press for the immediate lifting of the blockade and for humanitarian relief to flow without obstruction. Collective economic punishment has no place in international relations. The Cuban people deserve solidarity, not escalation.”
- This article was originally published in Sinn Féin’s email bulletin on 13/2/2026.
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