Statement on Cuba humanitarian situation

Joint Statement | London, 26th February 13:00 GMT

We, international civil society organisations that have been present in Cuba for many years, supporting local development processes and humanitarian response.

Acting under the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence.

Considering statements issued by United Nations agencies warning of a possible humanitarian collapse due to the lack of fuel supply to the country, placing the provision of essential services at risk.

Observing, through our presence in communities and municipalities, how the current energy crisis and oil supply restrictions are acting as a multiplying factor, disproportionately impacting people in situations of greatest vulnerability.

Express our deepest concern regarding the accelerated deterioration of the humanitarian situation and its impact on the population and on key sectors such as:

Health

The provision of hospital services, emergency care, intensive care, and the cold chain for vaccines, blood, and medicines has been compromised and reduced due to service concentration in specific locations, affecting rural populations, especially chronic patients and maternal and child health services.

Food Security and Nutrition

Reduced production, rising prices of basic goods, and limitations in food availability and distribution are affecting social feeding programs and increasing nutritional vulnerability.

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene

Water pumping, storage, and distribution have been drastically limited, considering that 84% of the population depends on the electrical system, increasing sanitary and public health risks.

Education

Continuity of education has been affected, including access to schools and universities and the functioning of basic services within educational institutions.

Protection

Vulnerability conditions have increased for women and girls, pregnant women, older persons, persons with disabilities, chronic patients, and households dependent on care. Risk factors for Gender-Based Violence have been aggravated.

Livelihoods

High transportation costs and reduced fuel availability are affecting the mobility of people and goods, increasing prices of basic products, limiting distribution chains, and particularly impacting farmers and small businesses.

We issue an urgent humanitarian appeal to governments and the international community to fulfil their obligations under international law, protect the civilian population, and ensure full access to essential services and humanitarian assistance, in order to preserve life, uphold the exercise of fundamental rights, and safeguard the dignity of all people.

The undersigned organisations reiterate our commitment to continue working alongside communities, local institutions, and grassroots organizations to mitigate the impact of this multidimensional crisis and to support the resilience of the Cuban population.