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Original article: El bloqueo sí mata: ONU advierte que “hay niños que mueren” en Cuba por falta de insumos médicos

The warning was straightforward and unambiguous: the economic blockade imposed by the United States against Cuba is not merely a political restriction, but rather a death sentence for the most vulnerable. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, confirmed on Monday from Geneva that the new coercive measures introduced by the Trump administration are exacerbating a humanitarian crisis that is costing the lives of children on the island.

The UN official was blunt in describing the impact of the US embargo, which since early 2026 has tightened restrictions on fuel supply and activated extraterritorial sanctions. Türk stated that these actions are «causing widespread harm to the population» and, more critically, «putting lives in danger.»

In a statement, the High Commissioner asserted unequivocally: «Children are dying because doctors lack access to essential medical supplies and medications,» calling the situation «unacceptable.»

The Office of the High Commissioner (OHCHR) detailed how the sanctions imposed by the Republican administration have triggered daily blackouts lasting over twenty hours, collapsing sensitive hospital services such as pediatric oncology, dialysis, and maternal care. The lack of fuel not only paralyzes power plants but also disrupts cold chains for vaccines, surgical equipment, and ambulances.

Türk described the scenario as a “perfect storm”: the economic isolation caused by the blockade converges with the massive exit of foreign businesses, reduced commercial flights, and obstacles to international payments, all amid the intense heat of the Caribbean summer and the looming hurricane season, noted Cuba Debate.

Child Mortality in Cuba Has Doubled

The numbers back up the severity of the diagnosis; the UN official cited reports from Cuba’s public health system revealing a dramatic regression: since Trump enacted the oil blockade last January, child mortality has doubled. Even more alarming is the decline in cancer survival rates among children, which has fallen from 85% to 65%. This statistic indicates that for every hundred children diagnosed with cancer, twenty more are now dying compared to the period before the tightening of illegal sanctions imposed from Washington.

The High Commissioner also warned that coercive measures not only impact the Cuban government, but also directly obstruct the work of humanitarian agencies, including those of the United Nations system itself.

The inability to transfer funds, acquire supplies, or send specialized personnel is leaving the island without essential assistance during critical times.

Türk reiterated his call to the White House to end these “unilateral coercive measures,” insisting that international humanitarian law and the protection of children should prevail over any geopolitical disputes.

La entrada UN Warns That US Blockade Causes Child Deaths in Cuba Due to Lack of Medical Supplies se publicó primero en El Ciudadano.