[a video about Cuba from the news collective Belly Of The Beast]

UN Secretary-General António Guterres is “extremely concerned” about the worsening situation in Cuba as fuel shortages continue to impact daily life across the island.

According to Secretary-General Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, Guterres has been following developments in Cuba “extremely closely” and is warning that unmet oil needs are deepening the crisis.

The spokesperson pointed out that the UN General Assembly has long called for an end to the blockade. Guterres is urging all parties to pursue dialogue, to respect international law and to avoid further escalation.

Dujarric said UN teams remain on the ground in Cuba, working alongside the island’s authorities to support humanitarian relief efforts.