Resolution, 20 July 2024: Branch Conference - US Blockade of Cuba
The AEU Victorian Branch, joins with the Central de Trabajadores de Cuba (Trade union Federation of Cuba) and hundreds of other unions around the world in condemning the US blockade against Cuba as an inhumane attack on workers and on the sovereignty and self-determination of the Cuban people. We call for the removal of US sanctions against Cuba and the removal of Cuba from the US State Sponsors of Terrorism List. These measures constitute a serious and systemic violation of the norms of international law and the Charter of the United Nations.
Initiated sixty-two years ago, the US embargo against Cuba is the longest continuous use of sanctions against any country in modern history, with dire consequences for Cuban people in gaining access to basic daily necessities such as food, medicine, and supplies open resulting in preventable deaths. It blocks humanitarian aid, financial transactions and trade and denies sovereignty, dignity, and human rights.
The AEU Victoria Branch recognises that Cuba has a long history of providing education and healthcare and saving lives around the world. Since 1963, more than 600,000 Cuban health workers have provided medical services in more than 160 countries, fighting diseases from Ebola to COVID-19. It has also trained more than 31,000 doctors from 65 developing countries at no cost and sent teachers to numerous developing nations.
We commend the Australian Government’s support of Cuba at the United Nations on 2 November 2023, when Australia, along with 187 other member states voted in favour of the resolution to end the United States' embargo - with only two countries, the US and Israel voting against.
We call on the Australian government to:
- Continue its support of the Cuban adult literacy program “Yo, sí puedo” (“Yes, I can”) which has been successfully used in several remote and rural Aboriginal communities.
- Continue its support for the integration of Cuban trained doctors into the Pacific Islands.
- Use all diplomatic means to pressure the US government to abide by the UN General Assembly’s resolution to end the US Blockade of Cuba.