On the Humanitarian Crisis in Cuba
National Platform For The Rights of the Disabled
April 1, 2026
Press Statement
On the Humanitarian Crisis in Cuba
The National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD) strongly condemns the ongoing economic blockade imposed by the United States on Cuba and its devastating impact on persons with disabilities.
For over six decades, this unilateral coercive measure has severely constrained Cuba’s ability to access essential goods, including life-saving medicines, assistive devices, and critical medical technologies. Disabled persons in Cuba are among the worst affected, facing acute shortages of mobility aids, prosthetics, hearing devices, and medicines for chronic and neurological conditions. Rehabilitation services continue to suffer.
According to the Pan American Health Organization, approximately 5 million Cubans living with chronic illnesses now face interruption of their medications and treatments. Among them, 16,000 cancer patients requiring radiotherapy and 12,400 undergoing chemotherapy have been forced to halt their life-saving treatment. Approximately 61,830 children who have specific health care needs are being exposed to preventable diseases because of delays in routine vaccinations.
The blockade has also intensified economic hardships, including shortages of food, fuel, and electricity. In such conditions, disabled persons face heightened marginalisation, reduced mobility, and increased dependence.
NPRD maintains that access to healthcare, clean
water, nutrition, and essential services are fundamental human rights. The
denial of these rights through an energy blockade amounts to collective
punishment, is an assault on human dignity and also constitutes a violation of
international humanitarian law including the United Nations Convention
on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The NPRD stands in solidarity with the people of Cuba and reaffirms its commitment to the global struggle for dignity, equality, and justice for all persons with disabilities. It calls for the immediate and unconditional lifting of the blockade against Cuba. The Government of India should take a principled stand against the unilateral coercive measures.
(Muralidharan)
General Secretary