The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is set to vote for the 32nd time on a draft resolution calling for an end to the U.S. embargo against Cuba, referred to by the island country as a blockade, which restricts international business and imposes economic sanctions on anyone trading with Cuba. 

From March 2023 to February 2024, losses due to the geographical relocation of trade, necessitating reliance on distant markets, are estimated to be at almost US$6 million.

The sanctions are designed to significantly affect Cuba's economy by restricting travel and barring businesses from engaging in trade with the island nation, preventing other countries from exporting any products to Cuba that have more than 10% U.S. content.

Despite 31 consecutive years of overwhelming support from the U.N. General Assembly to lift the blockade, it continues to remain in place.

This blockade, which restricts access to essential resources like healthcare for the Cuban people, is the primary barrier to Cuba's development.

It deprives the country of funds and supplies, contributing to hunger and despair. 

During a media briefing, Cuba's Ambassador to Namibia, Sergio De La Uz, expressed confidence that the UNGA vote on the resolution will be in favour of Cuba.

The UN General Assembly has consistently supported the resolution to lift the blockade.

Last year, the draft resolution received support from 187 countries, with only the United States and Israel voting against it, while Ukraine abstained.

Former US president Barack Obama eased the U.S. blockade on Cuba by re-establishing diplomatic ties, reopening embassies, and relaxing travel restrictions, aiming to support the Cuban people and promote reform.

However, Donald Trump reversed many of these policies, tightening restrictions and designating Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, which limited its access to international banking. 

Joe Biden has largely upheld these sanctions, making only minor adjustments, which critics argue have worsened Cuba's economic woes.