Humanitarian donations from U.S. organizations to Cuba have surged this year compared to last, reaching the highest level since 2014. The U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council (USCTEC) reported that the amount donated by July 2024 already surpasses the total for 2023. These statistics exclude personal donations or deliveries made by travelers on flights and through third countries.
The recorded donations include items such as food, medical supplies, clothing, and reading materials. As of 2024, these donations total more than $38 million (US$38,907,503.00). The data up to July of this year already exceed the total for 2023 by over $2 million (US$36,563,551.00).
Except for the years 2019 and 2020, which saw a decline in donation values, the period from 2014 to the present has shown a significant increase in contributions, challenging the Cuban regime's narrative of a "genocidal blockade" and its "tightening."
"The donated items are not included in the calculations of the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 (TSREEA) or the Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 (CDA)," USCTEC clarified. "These items are generally delivered to the Republic of Cuba via air carriers or ship containers; personal deliveries by travelers on flights and through third countries are not included."
USCTEC also emphasized that "a significant quantity and dollar value of items categorized as 'humanitarian' are transported from the United States to Cuba by passengers on authorized commercial flights." These humanitarian donations, including food, clothing, medications, and other essential items scarce in Cuba, are undocumented and unaccounted for.
U.S. Encourages Official Channels for Aid
In late March 2022, amid Cuba's worsening crisis, the U.S. government urged institutions and civil society actors to use the officially sanctioned channel for humanitarian aid, sending food and medical equipment to the Island.
"The Department of State urges individuals, organizations, and banks to contact the Cuba Humanitarian Mailbox (CubaHumanitarian@state.gov). Our team is a great resource to facilitate the export and donation of humanitarian goods to Cuba or to answer any questions," stated the U.S. Embassy in Cuba.
This information was further elaborated by Brian Nichols, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, who affirmed that his department is already "working with NGOs and religious groups to facilitate the export of medical and health-related equipment, basic food items, toiletries, and hygiene products donated by U.S. citizens."
Since 2021, U.S. citizens, religious groups, and other civil society actors have been providing food, medicines, and medical equipment to the Cuban people, according to the website of the Office of Global Public Affairs at the Department of State.
Considered humanitarian exemptions to the U.S. embargo on Cuba, civil society donations include food to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or individuals in Cuba. Additionally, exports related to humanitarian issues, including medications, medical devices, and telecommunications items, are exempt from embargo restrictions.
To expedite the export of basic goods, medical equipment, and food to Cuba, the Department of State announced its collaboration with NGOs and private sector companies in the U.S. "The Departments of State and Transportation have already approved two private charter airlines to deliver over 2.7 metric tons of care packages to cities across Cuba," they noted.
USCTEC insists: The reported amount reflects only deliveries made via charter flights or ship containers, excluding contributions from individuals traveling to the island.
Key Questions About Rising U.S. Aid to Cuba
Given the surge in humanitarian aid from the United States to Cuba, several key questions arise. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What types of items are included in the U.S. donations to Cuba?
The donations include food, medical supplies, clothing, and reading materials, among other essential items.
Are personal donations by travelers included in the reported figures?
No, the figures exclude personal donations or deliveries made by travelers on flights and through third countries.
How does the U.S. government facilitate humanitarian aid to Cuba?
The U.S. government encourages the use of officially sanctioned channels and collaborates with NGOs and private sector companies to expedite the export of basic goods, medical equipment, and food to Cuba.