Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico, urged the United Nations on Monday to dispatch humanitarian aid to Cuba and confirmed her government's commitment to continuing their own aid shipments.
"We will persist in sending humanitarian aid. Yes, we uphold, and will always uphold, the Cuban people's right to self-determination, and in any conflict, multilateral channels, like the United Nations, should be utilized. The UN should also send humanitarian aid," she declared during her morning press conference, as reported by EFE.
Sheinbaum also announced the dispatch of another ship carrying humanitarian supplies to Cuba.
"Today, another ship loaded with humanitarian aid departs from Mexico to the island, to the Cuban people, and we will send all the necessary humanitarian assistance," stated the leader.
Additionally, Sheinbaum disclosed that her administration is exploring ways to send fuel to Cuba without risking reprisals against Mexico. "We are also exploring the possibility of delivering fuel as humanitarian aid or through commercial agreements without harming Mexico," she asserted. The president explicitly ruled out any violent solutions: "Not invasion, not a violent solution," she emphasized, insisting that Mexico maintains an active dialogue with both Havana and Washington.
The backdrop of these statements is a severe energy crisis in Cuba. Executive Order 14380 from the Trump administration, effective since January 30, threatens tariffs on countries supplying crude oil to the island, prompting Pemex to halt its shipments on January 27.
This was compounded by the sudden cessation of Venezuelan supplies ranging between 25,000 and 30,000 barrels daily. The consequence: power outages lasting 20 to 25 hours a day impacting 64% of Cuban territory and a healthcare system on the brink of collapse, with over 16,000 cancer patients not receiving proper treatment, as confirmed by UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric on March 10.
The UN has warned of a potential "humanitarian collapse" in Cuba, launching a $74 million plan of which $23 million has been mobilized for one million vulnerable individuals. However, the organization calls for a humanitarian exception mechanism in U.S. oil sanctions, a gap where Sheinbaum demands greater multilateral involvement.
Mexico has sent at least four shipments of humanitarian aid to Cuba between February and March, including one almost 1,200 tons of food. The Mexican Foreign Minister reiterated the government's commitment at CELAC on Sunday: "We will continue to provide all possible assistance to the Cuban people." According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, the Cuban economy could contract by 7.2% in 2026, accumulating a 23% decline since 2019.
Key Questions About Humanitarian Aid to Cuba
Why is Mexico sending humanitarian aid to Cuba?
Mexico is sending humanitarian aid to Cuba to support the Cuban people amid a severe energy and healthcare crisis, exacerbated by international sanctions and a lack of resources.
What is the impact of the energy crisis in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba has led to prolonged power outages affecting most of the country and has placed immense strain on the healthcare system, leaving thousands of patients without necessary treatment.
What is the UN's role in addressing the crisis in Cuba?
The UN is involved in addressing the crisis by mobilizing funds for humanitarian aid and advocating for a humanitarian exception in U.S. oil sanctions to alleviate the situation in Cuba.