Humanitarian Crisis

Cuba is facing one of the worst economic crises in its history.  The Cuban people are facing shortages of clean water, medicine, and medical equipment, and the price of food has skyrocketed.  These conditions are causing families to go hungry and flee the island.  Over a million Cubans have left the island in the past two years.
 

At the same time, it is nearly impossible for U.S. humanitarian and faith organizations to provide humanitarian aid to the Cuban people. The main obstacle is the fact that Cuba is on the State Department’s State Sponsors of Terrorism List (SSOT).   Because banks fear running afoul of U.S. anti-terrorism laws and regulations, it can take years for groups to get much-needed aid and finances into the country.
 

Cuba & SSOT History

In 2015, President Obama removed Cuba from the SSOT list as part of the opening of diplomatic relations with Cuba. However, in 2021, the Trump Administration returned Cuba to the SSOT list after Cuba served as a neutral host for international peace talks between the government of Colombia and the National Liberation Army (ELN), a rebel group.   In May 2024, the Biden administration did remove Cuba from another list of states “not fully cooperating to fight against terrorism”.  But as long as Cuba remains on the SSOT list, it remains difficult to impossible to get assistance to the island.  
 

Cuba continues to make international commitments to combat terrorism, has ratified numerous international counterterrorism conventions, and has signed a bilateral agreement with the United States on counterterrorism.  Cuba has worked with the U.S. on other efforts as well and provided access to Cuban airspace so the US could deliver aid to the Haitian people.  Cuba has been lauded by the Colombian government for its help with their peace negotiations.  Cuba should not be on the State Sponsors of Terrorism list. 

Significance

Being designated as an SSOT (State Sponsor of Terrorism) brings numerous sanctions, such as limitations on foreign aid, financial transactions, and defense products. However, the most severe consequences arise from over-compliance. To avoid the risk of being sanctioned themselves, many businesses and financial institutions, including those outside the United States, choose to cut all ties with Cuba due to its association as "a sponsor of terror."  In short, being on the SSOT list hinders any kind of humanitarian aid, business, investment, and trade that involves Cuba.

The leaders of the Presbyterian Reformed Church in Cuba continue to request that the Presbyterian Church (USA) advocate on their behalf, particularly for the removal of Cuba from the State Sponsors of Terrorism list.  They have asked us to advocate for relief from the economic sanctions that are affecting all Cubans including those who faithfully serve and witness as members of our sister denomination.  This year’s General Assembly passed a resolution reaffirming that call.

Please contact President Biden today and urge him to take Cuba off the State Sponsors of Terrorism list.