On December 10, a significant forum was held in Washington, D.C., coinciding with International Human Rights Day, established by the UN in 1950. Activist groups like the Americas Without Sanctions Campaign convened to discuss “U.S. Sanctions Violate Human Rights in Palestine, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.” Attended by both in-person and virtual audiences, the event featured insights from diplomats from the three named countries, emphasizing the negative impacts of U.S. sanctions on human rights.
Keynote speaker Eyad Kishawi highlighted the destructive role of U.S. imperialism, specifically the use of economic sanctions, which he argued breach the U.N. Charter’s principle of non-intervention. Kishawi likened these sanctions to a kind of genocide, noting the resilience of the Global South against such oppression. His remarks struck a chord with the audience, illustrating a clear connection between sanctions and suffering.
Diplomatic representatives shared their nations’ perspectives. Alejandro García del Toro from Cuba condemned U.S. interference that cripples trade, linking such actions to military might. Carlos Ron from Venezuela emphasized the country’s commitment to social rights, celebrating its health, education, and housing guarantees, and underlined a shift towards collective rights amidst ongoing challenges.
Nicaraguan Ambassador Lautaro Sandino proudly noted his nation’s rising GDP and human rights advancements, particularly for its Afro-Caribbean population. Activists from various organizations, including the Black Alliance for Peace and Friends of Latin America, contributed to the forum, highlighting ongoing struggles against sanctions and oppression in the region.
The event concluded with a performance by the Black Workers and Wellness Center Chorus and a livestream by WPFW radio. Following the forum, activists continued their campaign, delivering petitions to U.S. lawmakers demanding an end to sanctions against the targeted countries. Ironically, on the same day, a hearing titled “The Communist Cuban Regime’s Disregard for Human Rights” was held, prompting the Americas Without Sanctions Campaign to expose the misinformation shared during the proceedings.
On International Human Rights Day, a forum in Washington, D.C. discussed the negative impact of U.S. sanctions on human rights in Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua. Key speakers included activists and diplomats who highlighted the detrimental effects of these sanctions, drawing a connection between U.S. policies and the suffering of affected populations. The event emphasized solidarity among nations and called for a reevaluation of U.S. foreign policy in relation to human rights.
The forum on International Human Rights Day illuminated the hypocrisy of U.S. sanctions and their ramifications on human rights in Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Activists and diplomats reaffirmed the importance of solidarity and mutual support in the face of oppressive policies. Through discussion and activism, they seek to shift the narrative surrounding human rights, advocating for a world where humanitarian principles prevail over economic sanctions and political agendas.
International Human Rights Day, recognized on December 10, commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 by the UN General Assembly. The day serves as a platform for advocates to address ongoing human rights violations globally. This year, activists specifically focused on U.S. sanctions impacting countries such as Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua, allowing diplomats from these nations to present their cases against American foreign policies that hinder their development and welfare.
Original Source: peoplesworld.org
