The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) held an additional debate on Tuesday regarding the necessity of ending the US blockade on Cuba, despite efforts by the United States to obstruct the discussion.
The proposition for the debate, introduced by Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Parilla, faced opposition from the United States and was subsequently subjected to a vote.
136 UN Member States voted in favour of the debate, while nine countries voted against it.
Speaking during the debate, the Cuban Foreign Minister stated that the United States is waging a multidimensional, unconventional war against Cuba.
Contributing to the debate, Namibia said its own history of colonialism and apartheid underscores the importance of respecting national sovereignty. It argued that unilateral sanctions violate the principles of the UN Charter and renewed its call for the immediate lifting of the economic and commercial blockade against Cuba.
Namibia's Permanent Representative to the UN, Penda Naanda, has also condemned the US government's indictment of former Cuban President Raul Castro, describing it as another violation of Cuba's sovereignty.
"The United States has no jurisdiction over the state of Cuba; this action deserves international condemnation. The principle of respect for the territorial integrity and political independence of states must be upheld by all states and non-state actors. All peoples, small and great, are endowed with inherent rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, but the six-decade-old embargo has been undermining and subverting such inherent rights. We must therefore prioritise constructive dialogue over isolation and unilateral coercive measures."
Cuba told the General Assembly it would continue defending its sovereignty while accusing Washington of using economic pressure to isolate the island.
"We have come to the United Nations with the truth of our people and the strength of international law. Cuba is not a threat; the blockade is," said Minister Parrila.
The United States rejected accusations that its sanctions are to blame for Cuba's hardships, arguing that the country's economic crisis is rooted in the policies of its government.
Mike Waltz, the U.S. Representative to the United Nations, said, "There is no American blockade. The only embargo in Cuba is the guillotine the regime keeps over the heads of its people. The world should not help the Cuban regime hide its incompetence, its malice, its corruption and its greed. We should help the Cuban people break free."
The debate comes as the United Nations warns of worsening humanitarian conditions in Cuba, with severe energy and fuel shortages continuing to affect millions.