Havana. In a letter addressed to the United Nation, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean states (CELAC), Organization of American States (OAS), the World and Pan American Health Organizations (WHO, PAHO), the Sao Paulo Forum and others have requested the lifting of unilateral coercive sanctions against several countries, which impact their ability to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

The text denounces the tightening of the U.S. blockade imposed on Cuba, the main obstacle to the country’s development, and emphasizes that, despite this challenge, the island nation, “always an example of humanity and solidarity, once again offers cooperation in the area of health to confront the pandemic and, in response to requests received, has sent medical brigades to more than a dozen countries.”

The Sao Paulo Forum, a leading political organization in Latin America and the Caribbean, also noted sanctions on Nicaragua, which “now does not even have the right to have humanitarian aid,” and denounced the difficulties faced by the Venezuelan government in attempting to purchase supplies, as a result of sanctions, since “international companies refused their orders for fear of suffering some kind of penalty or fine.”

In the name of solidarity among peoples, the letter cites “the exemplary attitude of the Chinese government, cooperating with Italy and other European countries, to help them contain the epidemic,” which contrasts sharply with the xenophobic positions of some who blame a culture or nation for the emergence and propagation of the virus.

(Source: Granma)