The UN released 4 million dollars and Norway contributed an additional 400,000 as “anticipatory action” for Hurricane Melissa, without control mechanisms or transparency over the use of the funds.
MADRID, Spain.- The United Nations (UN) released 4 million dollars to the Cuban regime before the arrival of Hurricane Melissa, as part of the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), as reported by the Miami Herald.
The fund was activated as “anticipatory action” in the face of the imminent impact of the cyclone, which landfall is expected in Cuba on Wednesday. “This allowed our partners to pre-position food and essential supplies – including rice, grains, hygiene kits, fuel vouchers and portable water treatment plants – in the eastern provinces,” Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for the UN Secretary General, was quoted as saying by the American newspaper.
There is no official information from the Cuban authorities on how these resources will actually be used on the Island, nor independent oversight mechanisms. As has happened in previous emergencies, the regime disposes of these funds without being accountable, while the affected population faces shortages of food, drinking water and basic services.
Another international contribution is added to the UN donation: $400,000 contributed by the Norwegian Embassy in Cuba. The Norwegian ambassador himself, John Petter Opdahl, announced in
With this, the Cuban regime will manage more than 4 million dollars in international emergency funds without independent supervision.
Historically, Cuban authorities have received significant sums of money in crisis contexts – hurricanes, pandemics and catastrophes – without the population seeing concrete results. Experts and activists denounce that Havana “monetizes the suffering” of its citizens, using humanitarian donations without transparency or accountability.
Meanwhile, Cubans in vulnerable areas continue to face blackouts, lack of food, deteriorated infrastructure and inefficient state management in the face of natural disasters.
