OHCHR / CUBA CRISIS – SPANISH

UN Human Rights spokesperson Marta Hurtado voiced concerns about the severe impacts on human rights of the socio-economic crisis in Cuba in a recorded statement in Spanish. OHCHR

Description

STORY: OHCHR / CUBA CRISIS - SPANISH
TRT: 01:51
SOURCE: OHCHR
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGES: SPANISH / NATS

DATELINE: 13 FEBRUARY 2026, GENEVA, SWITZERLAND / FILE

Shotlist

FILE - GENEVA, SWITZERLAND

1. Various shots, exterior, Palais Wilson

13 FEBRUARY 2026, GENEVA, SWITZERLAND

2. Wide shot, briefing room
3. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Marta Hurtado, Spokesperson, Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR):
““Estamos muy preocupados por la crisis socioeconómica que atraviesa Cuba, y por sus repercusiones en los derechos humanos de la población cubana. Dada la dependencia de los sistemas de salud, alimentación y agua de los combustibles fósiles importados, la actual escasez de petróleo ha puesto en peligro la disponibilidad de servicios esenciales en todo el país. El acceso a bienes y servicios esenciales debe garantizarse siempre, ya que son fundamentales para el derecho a la vida, y la capacidad de disfrutar de muchos otros derechos. El impacto prolongado y sostenido de las sanciones sectoriales genera dificultades económicas y debilita la capacidad del Estado para cumplir con sus responsabilidades fundamentales, entre ellas la prestación de servicios de protección y asistencia. Esto aumenta el riesgo de agravar la inestabilidad social en Cuba. El gobierno cubano, por su parte, debe estar preparado para responder conforme al derecho internacional de los derechos humanos, prestando atención a las necesidades de los más vulnerables. Además, debe dar prioridad a la mediación y a la protección de los derechos a la libertad de reunión pacífica y de expresión. Reiteramos nuestro llamamiento a todos los Estados para que levanten las medidas sectoriales unilaterales, debido a su amplio e indiscriminado impacto sobre la población. Los objetivos políticos no pueden justificar acciones que, en sí mismas, violan los derechos humanos.”
4. Wide shot, exterior, Palais Wilson

Storyline

Today (13 Feb), UN Human Rights (OHCHR) spokesperson Marta Hurtado voiced concerns about the severe impacts on human rights of the socio-economic crisis in Cuba in a recorded statement in Spanish.

Please find translation of her statement in English: “We are deeply concerned about the socioeconomic crisis in Cuba and its impact on the human rights of the Cuban people. Given the dependence of health, food, and water systems on imported fossil fuels, the current oil shortage has jeopardized the availability of essential services throughout the country. Access to essential goods and services must always be guaranteed, as they are fundamental to the right to life and the ability to enjoy many other rights. The prolonged and sustained impact of sectoral sanctions creates economic hardship and weakens the state's ability to fulfill its fundamental responsibilities, including the provision of protection and assistance services. This increases the risk of exacerbating social instability in Cuba. The Cuban government, for its part, must be prepared to respond in accordance with international human rights law, paying attention to the needs of the most vulnerable. In addition, it must prioritize mediation and the protection of the rights to peaceful assembly and expression. We reiterate our call on all States to lift unilateral sectoral measures, given their broad and indiscriminate impact on the population. Political objectives cannot justify actions that, in themselves, violate human rights.”

• Production Date: 13 February 2026
• Creator: OHCHR
• Alternate Title: unifeed260213d
• Subject Topical: CUBA SITUATION; EMBARGO; HUMAN RIGHTS
• Geographic Subject: CUBA; UNITED STATES
• Corporate Name: OFFICE OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS - OHCHR; UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS- UNHCHR
• MAMS Id: 3535470
• Parent Id: 3535470