In Solidarity With the Cuban People

The International Union of Scientists (IUS) resolutely and unequivocally condemns the continued efforts by the imperialist USA and its allies to economically asphyxiate Cuba through unilateral blockades and coercive sanctions, in clear violation of international law. These punitive actions impose grave humanitarian consequences, disrupting the everyday lives of the Cuban people and eroding vital sectors such as healthcare, education, academia, and scientific research. Cuba has survived an embargo imposed by the United States since the early 1960s, when it became a socialist country. Now, the Trump administration is trying to impose a tighter blockade on the island’s oil supply, starting with the interruption of shipments from Cuba’s main oil provider, Venezuela, after the U.S. took control of Venezuela’s oil industry following the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The situation in Cuba is dire and, according to the UN, may soon lead to a humanitarian collapse.

Remarkably, despite its limited size and resources and decades under the longest unilateral sanctions regime in modern history, Cuba has developed one of the world’s most comprehensive free education systems, at times investing over 14% of its GDP in the sector. This sustained commitment has produced near-universal literacy and helped transform the country into a center of scientific excellence, enabling it to achieve a leading position in advanced fields such as biotechnology.

Moreover, Cuba has been a very active contributor to the international development of the Global South. Between 1999 and 2015, its overseas assistance was estimated at 6.6% of GDP, far above the European and US average. A central pillar of this effort has been medical internationalism: since 1960, more than 600,000 Cuban health professionals have served in over 180 countries, delivering essential care to millions.

It is now time that we show Cuba our solidarity against the further economic aggression of the US. As the International Union of Scientists (IUS), we therefore support the campaign “Scholars in solidarity with Cuba” and the Nuestra América Flotilla, which will soon sail to Cuba bringing critical humanitarian aid for its people.