Experts Urge U.S. to Remove Cuba from Terrorism List Amid Severe Economic and Humanitarian Crisis

The experts expressed deep concern over the impact of the SSOT redesignation, which has led to a range of additional economic and financial restrictions.

Independent experts have called on the United States to remove Cuba from its list of State Sponsors of Terrorism (SSOT), citing the severe economic and humanitarian challenges currently faced by the country. Since 2021, Cuba has been under renewed SSOT designation, a status that has intensified its international isolation and compounded its difficulties.

The experts expressed deep concern over the impact of the SSOT redesignation, which has led to a range of additional economic and financial restrictions. These include expanded trade prohibitions, suspension of U.S. government financial and technical assistance, opposition to international financial support for Cuba, and threats to cut U.S. aid to other countries assisting Cuba.

The restrictions have exacerbated Cuba's struggles during a period marked by the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and disruptions in global supply chains and commodity prices. The situation has resulted in severe food insecurity due to inflation and reduced agricultural production, caused by shortages of fuel and restricted imports of essential agricultural inputs.

Moreover, the SSOT designation has complicated the licensing of exports of medicines and medical equipment to Cuba, leading to critical shortages in healthcare services. Essential treatments for conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, paediatric oncology, and obstetrics are increasingly difficult to obtain.

The experts argue that the SSOT designation contradicts fundamental principles of international law, including the sovereignty of states and the peaceful resolution of disputes. They highlighted the adverse humanitarian impact of such unilateral measures and the broad international support for lifting the embargo on Cuba.

They have already communicated their concerns to the U.S. Government and urge a prompt review and removal of the restrictions to alleviate the dire situation in Cuba.