Religious leaders urge Biden to end embargo against Cuba

Havana, Cuba. Marcelo Schneider/WCC, 2013.

In a 15 October letter to US president Joe Biden, leaders from the World Council of Churches, ACT Alliance, Council of Churches in Cuba, and other faith-based groups urged an end to nearly 60 years of embargo against the Cuban people, who are facing an appalling humanitarian situation.

"The Obama administration, with your support, sought to rethink the policy and pursue re-engagement with Cuba, by relaxing sanctions, allowing direct flights between the two countries, and easing restrictions on US citizens traveling to and doing business in Cuba," the letter reads, adding that former president Trump reversed that strategy, leading to severe economic repercussions for the Cuban people.

"The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the problems in Cuba," reads the letter. "We ask you to take a bold choice and end the embargo against the Cuban people."

The letter also acknowledges the significant political pressures and obstacles to this course of action.

"We do not see real public evidence to believe that Cuba has the will, means and capacity to sponsor global terrorism," reads the letter. "We strongly believe that there are other ways to engage with the Cuban authorities to discuss and overcome disagreements on issues and legacies, without affecting the people who want to live in human dignity."

Read the full letter: www.oikoumene.org/resources/documents/joint-ecumenical-letter-to-president-joe-biden-cuba-sanctions-15-october-2021