Chile Defends Humanitarian Aid to Cuba, Citing US Assistance and Prior Solidarity
Chile’s government is defending its decision to provide humanitarian aid to Cuba, emphasizing that the assistance is directed towards the Cuban people and is a common effort shared by several nations, including the United States. The decision has prompted questions regarding potential impacts on Chile-US relations and the possible candidacy of former President Michelle Bachelet for the position of UN Secretary-General.
Speaking on the matter, the Chilean Secretary of State pointed out the parallel action taken by the US government. “The US Department of State announced humanitarian aid to Cuba on February 5th. Why would this harm relations between our two countries when Chile is announcing the same – humanitarian aid to the Cuban people?” he stated, suggesting that concerns are driven by domestic political considerations.
The aid,channeled through UNICEF via Chile’s Fondo Chile contra el Hambre y la Pobreza and the Agencia de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarrollo (AGCID),is specifically intended to address the complex humanitarian situation facing the Cuban population. “This aid is not to the Cuban government, it is to the Cuban people, who are experiencing a complex humanitarian situation. We are talking about girls and boys who may not have enough to eat,” the Secretary of State clarified.
Chile’s decision is also framed within a context of reciprocal solidarity. The official highlighted Cuba’s assistance to Chile following the devastating 2010 earthquake, noting that Cuban medical professionals remained in the country longer than initially planned.
The Secretary of State further underscored the broader international effort, noting that Mexico and Brazil have also pledged aid to Cuba. He specifically referenced the US approach, stating, “Why would it damage relations between Chile and the United States when the Department of State itself has announced that it will send humanitarian aid to Cuba through the Catholic Church and Caritas? In Chile’s case, it will be done through UNICEF.”
The US State Department announced $2 million in humanitarian assistance to Cuba in February 2024,to be delivered through independent organizations. https://www.state.gov/cuban-people-receive-additional-u-s-humanitarian-assistance/ This aid aims to address the urgent food security and health needs of the Cuban population.