Explanation of Vote – UN General Assembly resolution on the “Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba”
Statement delivered by H.E James Larsen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations
28 October 2026
President,
Australia and New Zealand wish to record that fact that we supported this annual resolution because the embargo restricts open trade and investment, which are key principles of the international system.
Our vote today reflects our longstanding commitment to these principles.
We also take this opportunity to express our concern about the severe humanitarian situation facing the Cuban people, including limited access to food, power, clean water, health care, sanitation, and other essential services.
We support the free flow of humanitarian supplies into Cuba.
President,
Our support for this resolution should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the policies or actions of the Cuban government, or as diminishing its responsibility to uphold human rights and address the humanitarian crisis facing its people.
Australia and New Zealand have consistently raised concerns about Cuba’s human rights record and its support for Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine.
These concerns persist.
We also remain troubled by reports of ongoing restrictions on freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and association, arbitrary detention, harassment and intimidation of journalists, activists and political opponents, and constraints on independent media.
President,
Australia and New Zealand urge the Cuban government to respect and uphold human rights, address humanitarian needs, and create the conditions for meaningful political participation and peaceful dissent.
We call for the release of all political prisoners and those who are arbitrarily detained.
Thank you.