The governments of Brazil, Spain, and Mexico announced a joint commitment to increase coordinated humanitarian assistance to Cuba, as the island nation grapples with a deepening crisis exacerbated by the long-standing U.S. embargo. The three nations issued a joint statement emphasizing the importance of dialogue in line with the United Nations Charter and affirming the Cuban people’s right to determine their own future. The statement made no direct reference to U.S. President Donald Trump.
The announcement came after a meeting in Barcelona between Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, held during the “Democracia Siempre” international forum, established in 2024.
“In light of the evolving situation in Cuba and the dramatic circumstances faced by the Cuban people, the governments of Brazil, Spain, and Mexico… reiterate the need to respect, at all times, international law and the principles of territorial integrity, sovereign equality, and the peaceful settlement of disputes, enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations,” said the statement released by Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The governments “express their deep concern over the severe humanitarian crisis affecting the Cuban people and urge that necessary measures be taken to alleviate this situation and prevent actions that would worsen living conditions or violate international law,” the statement added. “They commit to intensifying a coordinated humanitarian response aimed at alleviating the suffering of the Cuban people.”
Following the meeting, Lula joined Colombian President Gustavo Petro, Sheinbaum, and Uruguayan President Yamandú Orsi for a lunch where recent wars, the erosion of trust in international law, and the credibility crisis facing the UN were sharply criticized. The leaders warned that these factors are fueling extremism.
Cuba’s deepening crisis
Cuba’s situation has deteriorated since the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump tightened restrictions on oil supplies to the island. The measures have led to widespread blackouts and disruptions in essential services, including hospitals, and have undermined medical cooperation agreements.
In late March, a temporary reprieve came when a Russian ship was allowed to deliver fuel to Cuba, but the humanitarian crisis persists, with shortages of food and basic goods looming. In response, Brazil, Mexico, and international organizations have stepped up aid efforts, including the “Nuestra América Convoy,” a flotilla delivering humanitarian supplies to the island.
Source: ICL
