[Medea Benjamin and Carlos Lazo with aid delivered in August/CODEPINK]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dec. 14, 2023

Media Contact: Melissa Garriga | [email protected]

CODEPINK and Bridges of Love Unite to Deliver Critical Humanitarian Aid to Cuba Amidst Devastating U.S. Blockade

Isla de la Juventud, CUBA – Today, peace activists Medea Benjamin of CODEPINK and Carlos Lazo of Bridges of Love are on the ground in Cuba, undertaking a vital mission to provide essential humanitarian aid to the Cuban people who continue to endure the severe impact of the United States' longstanding blockade.

The most recent aid package being delivered includes 2,000 pounds of powdered milk, 20,000 antihistamine pills, 10,000 Tylenol/acetaminophen pills plus cancer/leukemia chemo medicines  and hydrocortisone for the children’s hospitals, addressing the pressing needs of the children affected by the ongoing crisis. This effort follows a significant delivery in August, which saw 5,000 pounds of powdered milk distributed to Children's Hospitals in Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, and Sancti Spíritus provinces. The August shipment also included 100,000 analgesics, bread-making machines, and essential supplies for senior citizens' homes in Cienfuegos, among other critical needs. These donations have been possible thanks to the tens of thousands raised by CODEPINK and Puentes de Amor.

While delivering this much-needed aid, the activists are drawing attention to the escalating wave of support and solidarity for Cuba within the United States. There is a growing demand to end the unilateral economic, commercial, and financial blockade that has been imposed on Cuba by the United States for over six decades. The increasing call for lifting the embargo has been resounded by the majority of the United Nations in 31 consecutive votes. Nevertheless, on each occasion, the United States and Israel cast opposing votes.

The combination of the enduring blockade and the unjust labeling of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism by the United States has had a crippling and devastating effect on the Cuban people. This form of economic warfare not only exacerbates the pain and suffering of Cuba's most vulnerable citizens but also fuels increased migration efforts from Cuba to the United States.

CODEPINK is passionately advocating for an immediate end to the blockade and sanctions, as well as the removal of Cuba from the state sponsor of terrorism list. The organization highlights that such measures are not only essential for the well-being of the Cuban people but also crucial for fostering peace and cooperation between the two nations.

For more information about this latest humanitarian mission of solidarity, please contact: Medea Benjamin at [email protected] or Michelle Ellner at [email protected]. 

###