In a recent development, the United States of America has made a call to United Nations members, discouraging their support for Cuba’s aspiration to join the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). This occurrence has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions across international platforms due to the strained relations between the two nations, dating back to decades.
The USA Accuses Cuba of Exploiting its Medical Practitioners
The USA levies a serious accusation against Cuba, alleging that the country is “trafficking” its medical practitioners under the cover of humanitarian missions. Interestingly, Cuba’s sale of its medical services is considered its most significant foreign exchange earner.
Notably, Cuba’s health system enjoys respect on a global scale with a workforce of 90,000 healthcare professionals serving a population of 11 million. The country boasts a high life expectancy rate standing at 79.74 years in 2016, and a low infant mortality rate recorded at approximately 4.76 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2013.
Cuba is known for dispatching its medical personnel abroad to help manage disease outbreaks, as seen during the Ebola epidemic of 2014-16 and more recently, the Covid-19 pandemic. Currently, Cuba has applied to occupy one of the regional vacancies for 2021-2023, having been a member of the UNHRC in 2014-2016 and 2017-2019.
Historical Strains Between USA and Cuba
The diplomatic relationship between the USA and Cuba has been historically fraught, particularly after the Cuban Revolution in 1959. Following the revolution, the USA ended diplomatic relations with Cuba, imposing a trade embargo which was subsequently relaxed in 2000 and 2014. These times saw partial lifts on travel restrictions, trade sanctions, and limitations on remittances to Cuba. However, these sanctions were reimposed in 2017.
The USA also criticizes Cuba for human rights violations and dictatorship, attributing these issues to Cuba’s leftist authoritarian regime. Since the Cuban revolution, a considerable number of Cubans, including those supporting the ousted regime, those whose properties had been seized by the current socialist government, and individuals seeking improved employment and living conditions have migrated to the USA.
India and Cuba’s Bilateral Relationship
India and Cuba share a longstanding friendly relationship, with both countries being founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement. In particular, India has displayed solidarity with Cuba in advocating for the lifting of US sanctions against Cuba on forums such as the UN General Assembly. The two countries have collaborated in areas such as Biotechnology, Homeopathy, and traditional medicine systems.
About the United Nations Human Rights Council
The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is a dedicated body of the UN tasked with promoting and protecting human rights globally. It operates via mechanisms including the Universal Periodic Review mechanism, which evaluates human rights situations in all UN Member States, and an Advisory Committee providing expert advice on thematic human rights issues.
The UNHRC has 47 members serving staggered three-year terms, elected based on regional grouping. To secure membership, a country must receive a minimum of 96 votes from the 191 states forming the UN General Assembly.
In a controversial development in 2018, the USA withdrew from the UNHRC, citing allegations of bias and hypocrisy. Furthermore, Venezuela’s successful bid for a seat on the council for 2020-2022, despite criticism of its human rights record, was strongly opposed by the USA.
Way Forward
The USA’s attempt to prevent Cuba from joining the UNHRC could potentially escalate existing tensions between the two countries. Given the significant population of Cuban immigrants and individuals of Cuban ancestry residing in the USA, it becomes crucial for both nations to make concerted efforts towards reaching a consensus. This reconciliation is also essential for maintaining international spirit and democracy.
As India sustains diplomatic ties with both countries, escalating tensions could present challenges for maintaining its status quo in relation to these nations.