The U.S. Under Secretary for Foreign Assistance, Humanitarian Affairs, and Religious Freedom, Jeremy Lewin, expressed gratitude towards Cuban-American artist Camila Cabello on platform X for shedding light on U.S. humanitarian aid in Cuba through the Catholic organization Caritas.
"Thank you, Camila Cabello, for bringing attention to Caritas' humanitarian work, which has partnered with us in recent weeks to provide the most significant direct U.S. humanitarian response in Cuba in decades. The United States will continue to stand by and support the Cuban people," Lewin stated on X.
Lewin further commented on the long-standing oppression in Cuba: "For 70 years, the Cuban people have suffered under a brutal regime that has stripped them not only of their political and civil rights but also of any economic opportunity. The regime deliberately maintains the country's impoverishment to preserve its total control. As Secretary Rubio said last week, the only way forward is for the regime to grant the Cuban people economic freedom so they can sustain themselves."
Cabello's Message
On Friday, Cabello openly criticized the humanitarian crisis on the Island and questioned the regime's actions. In an Instagram post, she began by addressing issues faced by the immigrant community in the U.S. but emphasized her personal responsibility to speak about her homeland. "There is so much happening here at home, and I could say a lot about the painful situations the immigrant community is experiencing in the U.S. I also feel a personal obligation to speak about what's going on in Cuba," she wrote.
Cabello highlighted her personal connection to Cuba, mentioning that she remains in contact with family on the Island and, like many Cuban exiles, relies on sending supplies to help them cope with shortages. "I still have family on the Island with whom we speak and to whom we send medicines, food, and clothing," she noted, alongside childhood photos from the Island and images of the current situation.
The singer was particularly critical of the political reality in Cuba. "It has been 67 years of a failed dictatorship and oppressive regime. The Cuban people are suffering in an echo chamber where no one can hear them because speaking up means risking their lives," she asserted.
Her message painted a vivid picture of the crisis: "Many people are starving, scavenging for food in the trash, and the only way to survive is through packages sent by family members containing medicines, as even hospitals lack medications." She also condemned the extended power outages and their repercussions: "Electricity is out for so long that food spoils, and water becomes scarce."
Cabello addressed the repression against peaceful protesters. "When people have protested peacefully, they have disappeared or been imprisoned, some as young as 13. This is a reality where an online post can cost you your life," she expressed.
She highlighted the prolonged suffering of the Cuban people, stating that they have lived "without dignity and hope for too long," and pointed out the dangerous journeys many undertake in search of freedom: "It is no wonder that so many Cubans have ventured into shark-infested waters, constructing rafts with tires and sticks and risking their lives for freedom."
In her closing remarks, she emphasized the severe humanitarian crisis on the Island and urged support for organizations working on the ground. "If you want to help and don't know how, check the link in my story to support Caritas Cuba and their efforts. Any contribution makes a difference if you can donate. Thank you very much, love you all," she concluded.
U.S. Aid Through Caritas
At the beginning of the month, the U.S. announced a $6 million humanitarian aid package for Cuba, aimed at providing direct assistance to the Cuban people without intermediating through the regime. "Building on the success of the recently announced partnership with the Catholic Church and Caritas, the Trump Administration announces an additional $6 million in direct assistance for the Cuban people," stated the Department of State's communication.
Impacts of U.S. Humanitarian Aid in Cuba
What role does Camila Cabello play in highlighting U.S. humanitarian efforts in Cuba?
Camila Cabello has used her platform to spotlight the humanitarian assistance provided by the U.S. in Cuba, particularly through the Catholic organization Caritas, thereby amplifying awareness and support for these efforts.
How has the U.S. responded to the humanitarian crisis in Cuba?
The U.S. has announced a $6 million aid package to provide direct support to the Cuban people, bypassing the regime to ensure resources reach those in need.