UN human rights experts say US sanctions risk turning Cuba into 'silent Gaza'

A group of independent UN human rights experts said on 6 August 2026 that US sanctions on Cuba are pushing the island into a humanitarian crisis. The experts, appointed by the Human Rights Council, said the measures have led to major shortages of food, medicine and fuel, and to widespread power outages.

The US has imposed an oil blockade and other sanctions on Cuba since January 2026. The experts said energy, transport, irrigation and basic services are failing, and that women, children, older people and other vulnerable groups are being hit hardest. UN agencies in Cuba have warned of mounting risks of food insecurity and shortages of medicines and basic necessities.

The experts called the sanctions a violation of international law and urged the US to revoke them. They also called on the UN Security Council and General Assembly to address the issue urgently as a matter of international peace and security. The experts do not speak for the UN itself.

How the reports described the crisis

The left-rated reports below described the crisis as already 'full-blown'. The Korea Times said the experts warned of a 'full-blown crisis' threatening the rights to health, life, food and development. franceinfo said the experts called on the international community to prevent Cuba from being 'plunged into a major crisis'.

The centre-rated reports described the crisis as severe but still emerging. Reuters said the experts urged action to avert a 'silent Gaza' in Cuba. Sud Ouest said the experts warned of a 'major crisis' threatening the same rights. Lietuvos Radijas ir Televizija said the sanctions are 'pushing Cuba into a deep crisis'. WTVB carried the Reuters digest.

The right-rated reports also described the crisis as emerging rather than already full-blown. Seven of the seven right-rated digests below carried the phrase 'silent Gaza'. La Tercera, La Nación, Anadolu Ajansı, Times of India, Observador, Reformatorisch Dagblad and Yonhap News Agency all used the phrase in their digests.

What the coverage left out

None of the right-rated digests below mentioned the experts' statement that the sanctions disproportionately affect women, children, older people and other vulnerable groups. None of the centre-rated reports below quoted the experts saying the crisis is already 'full-blown'.