On International Human Rights Day 2024, activists spotlighted U.S. hypocrisy during a forum at the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. Organized by groups like the Americas Without Sanctions Campaign, the event, titled “U.S. Sanctions Violate Human Rights in Palestine, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela,” addressed the harmful impact of U.S. sanctions on vulnerable nations.
Eyad Kishawi, a keynote speaker from the International People’s Tribunal, highlighted that U.S. sanctions undermine the U.N. Charter’s principle of non-intervention, equating them to a form of genocide. He assured attendees that despite the challenges, the Global South would eventually prevail against these tactics.
Diplomatic representatives from Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua contributed insights. Alejandro García del Toro from Cuba accused the U.S. of obstructing trade relations to weaken the Cuban economy, emphasizing the intersection of economic sanctions and military power. Carlos Ron from Venezuela praised his country’s commitments to rights such as healthcare and education, linking them to the historic Bolivarian Revolution rooted in demands for basic human needs.
Nicaraguan Ambassador Lautaro Sandino celebrated his country’s achievements, emphasizing efforts to protect Afro-Caribbean culture. He invited attendees to visit Nicaragua and witness the progress firsthand. During the forum, other activists, such as Austin Cole and Dr. Samira Addrey, shared their perspectives on solidarity and health rights.
The event concluded with a performance by the Black Workers and Wellness Center Chorus. Additionally, activists took their advocacy to Capitol Hill, urging Congress to lift sanctions against the targeted countries. In a stark contrast, the House held a hearing critiquing Cuba’s human rights record, which the Americas Without Sanctions Campaign decried as filled with misinformation.
On December 10, 2024, activists convened for a forum addressing U.S. sanctions on human rights in Palestine, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela during Human Rights Day. Keynote speaker Eyad Kishawi highlighted the contradictions of U.S. policy, comparing sanctions to genocide. Diplomatic representatives from the affected countries shared insights on their struggles and accomplishments, culminating in a call for solidarity and legislative action against these sanctions. The forum underscored the resilience of communities despite external pressures.
The International Human Rights Day event in Washington, D.C. served as a potent reminder of the contradictions in U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding sanctions that impact human rights in targeted nations. Through powerful testimonies from diplomatic representatives and activists, the gathering asserted that the fight for rights and dignity continues, even in the face of significant opposition. The event’s message was clear: solidarity and awareness are crucial to confronting these injustices.
International Human Rights Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1950, commemorating the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This day marks a crucial moment not just for acknowledging rights globally but also for scrutinizing violations, particularly those related to international politics and U.S. foreign policy. The Nakba or “Catastrophe” refers to the mass displacement of Palestinians in 1948, intertwining with ongoing debates about human rights, especially in regions affected by U.S. sanctions including Palestine, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. These discussions reflect a broader critique of U.S. imperialism and its consequences for global human rights.
Original Source: www.peoplesworld.org
