UN experts denounce Trump oil blockade on Cuba as illegal

Friday 13 February 2026 - 14:50

By: Dakir Madiha

UN experts denounce Trump oil blockade on Cuba as illegal

United Nations human rights experts on Wednesday condemned President Donald Trump’s executive order restricting fuel supplies to Cuba, describing it as a serious breach of international law that risks triggering a severe humanitarian crisis on the island of 9.6 million people.

The statement from the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights marks the strongest international rebuke so far of the January 29 presidential order, which authorizes tariffs on imports from any country that provides oil to Cuba. UN Secretary-General António Guterres had earlier warned of a potential humanitarian “collapse” if the island’s energy needs are not met.

In their assessment, the UN experts characterized the measure as an extreme form of unilateral economic coercion with extraterritorial effects. They said the United States is seeking to pressure the sovereign state of Cuba while compelling other sovereign countries to alter legitimate trade relations under threat of punitive trade actions.

The experts stressed that fuel is vital for electricity generation, water and sanitation systems, hospitals, public transportation and food production. Disruptions to fuel imports, they warned, could unleash a major humanitarian emergency with cascading consequences for essential services. Cuba is already experiencing widespread power outages lasting up to 20 hours in some areas.

They argued that the executive order violates core principles of the UN Charter, including sovereign equality, non-intervention and self-determination, and called on Washington to rescind the measure immediately.

The crisis has intensified since Cuba lost access to Venezuelan oil following the US-backed removal of Nicolás Maduro from power. Cuban aviation authorities have informed airlines that jet fuel will not be available at nine airports until March 11. The government has responded by closing universities, shortening school hours, reducing the workweek and cutting public transport services.

Two Mexican navy vessels arrived in Havana on Thursday carrying more than 800 tonnes of humanitarian supplies, including food and powdered milk. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum described Trump’s measures as unjust and pledged additional assistance.

The White House order states that Cuba poses an unusual and extraordinary threat to US national security, citing alleged support for hostile actors and human rights violations. UN experts dismissed that justification as lacking credibility and appearing designed to legitimize the use of extraordinary coercive powers.

Russia has warned that Cuba’s energy situation is critical and criticized what it called harsh US tactics, while Chile has also pledged to provide aid.