UN human rights chief calls for 'urgent de-escalation' for Cuba 'drowning under sanctions'

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, issued a stark warning on Monday, June 15, 2026, stating that Cuba is "drowning under U.S. sanctions." He called for an urgent de-escalation and improved relations between Washington and Havana to alleviate the crisis.

Speaking at the opening of the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council, Türk highlighted Cuba's situation as one of the primary global crises. He emphasized the need for immediate action, declaring, "The alarm is on, we need urgent de-escalation."

Türk also drew attention to the escalating violence in neighboring Haiti, noting that gang violence has resulted in approximately 2,300 deaths and 1,100 injuries so far this year. He urged Haitian authorities to expedite the establishment of judicial units to combat impunity, further underscoring the dire human rights situations in the region.