Alena Douhan, a UN special rapporteur, has highlighted the detrimental effects of US sanctions on Cuba, which have been in place for over six decades. She stated that these unilateral measures have caused significant hardships across all aspects of life in Cuba, including severe shortages of food, medicine, and electricity. The sanctions have intensified since 2018, particularly after Cuba was designated a 'state sponsor of terrorism' in 2021. Douhan noted that the embargo has led to a growing emigration of skilled workers, further straining the country's resources. Despite international calls for the sanctions to be lifted, including a recent UN General Assembly vote, the US government has largely ignored these appeals. Douhan plans to present a detailed report on the sanctions' impact to the UN Human Rights Council in September 2026.