Cuban crisis worsens as migration accelerates under repression and economic hardship

The U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs convened on December 12, 2024, to address the dire human rights situation in Cuba, highlighting the severe economic crisis and political repression faced by its citizens. The committee's discussions underscored the urgent need for a reevaluation of U.S. policy towards the island nation.

Witnesses at the meeting reported alarming statistics about the living conditions in Cuba. Recent data revealed that the country has experienced three nationwide electricity blackouts in just two months, with some areas enduring power outages lasting up to 20 hours daily. The Cuban government admitted that only 30% of essential medicines are regularly available, exacerbating the suffering of the population. A survey conducted by the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights indicated that 70% of respondents skip at least one meal daily, and 61% struggle to afford basic necessities.

The testimony emphasized that these hardships have led to unprecedented levels of emigration, with the Cuban government acknowledging a 9% population loss between 2020 and 2023 due to immigration. Independent reports suggest that the actual figure may be even higher.

Critics of the current U.S. policy of isolation argue that it has failed to improve the human rights situation in Cuba and may have inadvertently provided the Cuban government with a scapegoat for its failures. They contend that the embargo and designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism have allowed the regime to deflect blame for its abuses and garner sympathy from other nations.

The committee urged Congress to consider a new approach that would replace the embargo with targeted sanctions against officials responsible for human rights violations. This strategy would also involve building support from Latin American and European governments to advocate for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Cuba, while prioritizing the empowerment of Cuban civil society.

As discussions continue, the committee's recommendations could pave the way for significant changes in U.S. policy, aiming to address the root causes of the humanitarian crisis in Cuba and support its citizens in their struggle for rights and freedoms.