Support Among Repressive Regimes at UN General Assembly

The communist governments of Cuba and Nicaragua recently took the opportunity at the United Nations General Assembly to bolster each other’s positions—without acknowledging the devastating impact their policies have had on their citizens.

Both nations were represented by their foreign ministers, yet neither spoke about the long-standing abuses inflicted on their populations. In Cuba, for example, there has been a relentless crackdown on dissent and widespread suffering as a result of communist rule. Nicaragua, under the leadership of Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo, has seen the persecution of Christianity and the dismantling of the last remnants of free elections.

During their speeches, the ministers pledged their support for communist China’s so-called “One-China Principle,” misleadingly claiming that Taiwan is merely a “province” of China. Additionally, they expressed mutual solidarity.

True to form, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla used much of his time to level accusations against the United States. He began by condemning what he referred to as the U.S. efforts to impose “peace through force” and cited various grievances, including “genocidal crimes” against Palestinians and “military aggression” in Venezuela. He also touched on ongoing conflicts, such as the one in Iran.

Rodríguez Parrilla went on to assert that the U.S. is engaged in “multidimensional aggression” against Cuba, describing intensified pressure tactics as an “energy blockade” that he claims constitutes an act of war under international law. He even alleged that the U.S. is blocking humanitarian aid to Cuba and coercing foreign investors to withdraw, funding that supposedly supports the regime’s repressive actions.

“The United States has pressured sovereign governments to give up medical services we offer to their populations,” he noted, referencing attempts by President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to limit Cuba’s controversial doctor program, which is a significant source of revenue for the communist system.

“Because of U.S. resistance to such cooperation, these populations risk losing essential medical care, violating a fundamental human right,” he stated.

Continuing with his critique of the U.S., Rodríguez Parrilla claimed that the threat of military action against Cuba “persists,” insisting that any such moves would be a significant crime.

“It would lead to the loss of many young lives, both Cuban and American, alongside widespread destruction,” he asserted. “Cuba will steadfastly defend its right to self-defense.”

“This aggression is compounded by severe media and psychological warfare aimed at not just the Cuban people but U.S. citizens and the global community,” he said. “It consists of brazen attempts to interfere in Cuba’s internal matters, which is yet another violation of international law.”

Towards the conclusion of his address, Rodríguez Parrilla dismissed U.S. sanctions against Cuban officials as disrespectful to international law and the UN, voicing support for those impacted by the measures.

“The imposition of one nation’s will over others through coercion is both dangerous and untenable,” he commented. “The law of the jungle cannot define humanity’s future.”

Nicaragua’s Foreign Minister Valdrack Jaentschke also spoke, delivering what he termed a message of “peace.” His remarks included strong endorsements of the Cuban regime, support for China, and a defense of Russia’s supposed “right of peace” in what Jaentschke described as its “struggle against fascism,” reflecting Nicaragua’s backing of Russia amid the Ukraine conflict.

Jaentschke took a moment to commend the anti-U.S. BRICS alliance led by China, which he claimed seeks improved living conditions for all based on peace and solidarity. However, notably absent from his speech were any mentions of support for fellow anti-U.S. regimes in Iran and Venezuela, despite the longstanding ties between Nicaragua and Venezuela’s socialist government.