Amnesty Appeals for Cuba Embargo to be Lifted

by Bunk | September 3, 2009 at 01:27 pm

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Back in April this year President Obama started, what could have been seen as dialogue with Cuba, this as well as plans to allow telecommunications companies to bid for licences in Cuba. This was a major step forward for the relationship between to the two countries. Though, their seems to have been little progress after this gesture by Obama, only Cuba saying it does not fear dialogue with the US. Amnesty's call for America to lift its embargo on Cuba, on humanitarian reasons, shows that one of the longest lasting effects of the Cold War, is not forgotten. On the 14 September the renal for the sanctions on Cuba has to be voted on by Congress. Amnesty hope that Obama may take a new direction, and hopefully lead to the sanctions being able to expire. Though this is extremley unlikely, Amnesty's pressure brings to light something America can really do, that may benefit thousands of peoples of lives, as well as saving some.

President Barack Obama should take the first step towards dismantling the US embargo against Cuba by not renewing sanctions against the Caribbean island under the Trading with the Enemy Act, said Amnesty International today.

Amnesty made this call as it published its new report lookING at the impact of the US economic embargo against Cuba, and in the run up to the 14 September deadline for the renewal of sanctions under the Act.

The report entitled 'The US embargo against Cuba: Its impact on economic and social rights' concludes that the sanctions, imposed by the USA since 1962, are particularly affecting Cubans' access to medicines and medical technologies and endangering the health of millions.

Amnesty International's Secretary-General Irene Khan said:

'This is the perfect opportunity for President Obama to distance himself from the failed policies of the past and to send a strong message to the US Congress on the need to end the embargo.

'The US embargo against Cuba is immoral and should be lifted. It's preventing millions of Cubans from benefiting from vital medicines and medical equipment essential for their health.'

Cuba faces severe restrictions in importing medicines, medical equipment or technologies from the USA or from any US company abroad because of the embargo. The sanctions also limit other imports to the island and restrict travel and the transfer of money.

Products patented in the USA or containing more than 20 percent US-manufactured parts or components cannot be exported to Cuba, even if they are produced in third countries.

According to data from the United Nations, Cuba's inability to import nutritional products for consumption at schools, hospitals and day care centres, is contributing to a high prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia. Some 37.5 per cent of Cuba's children under three years old are affected according to UNICEF.

Children's health was also put at risk by a decision from US syringe suppliers to cancel an order for three million disposable syringes made in 2007 by UNICEF's Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation when it became known that the units were destined for the implementation of a programme in Cuba.

Similar situations have affected the implementation of UN programmes to prevent and fight HIV/AIDS on the island.