00:00The Trump administration has defended its sanctions on Cuba
00:03after the United Nations human rights chief warned that the measures were causing
00:08widespread harm and endangering lives.
00:11The White House says the sanctions target Cuba's leadership and entities
00:14it accuses of undermining U.S. national security.
00:18Washington has stepped up pressure on Havana this year,
00:22imposing sanctions on Cuban officials
00:24and threatening penalties on countries that supply oil to the island.
00:28UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk said the measures were hurting ordinary Cubans
00:32by restricting access to essential goods and services,
00:36including food, water and health care, urging for the sanctions to be lifted.
00:40He also warned that fuel restrictions and tighter sanctions have worsened power shortages,
00:45with children reportedly dying due to a lack of essential medicines and medical supplies.
00:50The sanctions have contributed to a deepening energy crisis in Cuba,
00:54with frequent blackouts causing disruptions to public services across the island.
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