Cuba Human Rights
Civil and political rights continue to be severely restricted by Cuban authorities.
Government critics continue to be imprisoned; many report that they were beaten during arrest. Restrictions on freedom of expression is widespread. The government curtails freedom of association and assembly. The US embargo against Cuba remains, despite increasing opposition to it within and outside the USA.
Background
Relations between Cuba and the USA improved during the year. Both governments initiated dialogues relating to migration issues and the re-establishment of a direct postal service between the two countries. Representatives of the US Congress visited Cuba in April and met the Cuban President.
The Council of Ministers underwent a major reshuffle in March and key ministers during Fidel Castro's last years in power were replaced.
In June, Cuba's 47-year suspension from the Organization of American States (OAS) was lifted. However, Cuba's participation in the OAS is conditional on its adherence to OAS principles.
In February, Cuba's human rights record was assessed under the UN Universal Periodic Review. Cuba adopted some broad undertakings but rejected most of the recommendations relating to the protection and promotion of civil and political rights. Cuba was re-elected to the Human Rights Council for another three-year term in May. The visit of the UN Special Rapporteur on torture, planned for October, was postponed by the Cuban authorities until 2010.
Relevant Links
Cuba Newsroom
July 14, 2021 • Press Release
Experts Remind DHS Secretary Seeking Asylum is a Human Right — Regardless of How You Arrive
Today, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Cubans and Haitians will not be allowed to reach the United States to seek asylum if traveling by boat. Secretary Mayorkas’s remarks come despite both Cubans and Haitians facing acute economic, political, and public health crises in their countries. Administrations in the United States have tried to use cruel deterrence-based policies since President Regan, and not only have they never worked, they often result in family separations. Experts also noted that the United States has a troubling history of interdicting people seeking protection at sea and of sending Haitians to Guantanamo Bay. Former asylum-seekers, advocates, and experts responded:
April 15, 2018 • Report
Cuba: Change of leadership must herald a new era for human rights
The end of Raúl Castro’s mandate as president of Cuba, expected to come on April 19, presents a historic opportunity to overhaul the state of human rights in Cuba, Amnesty International said today, as it published a roadmap for how the new administration can improve the nation’s human rights record: Transform confrontation into dialogue.
November 16, 2017 • Report
Cuba: Job sector, a tool of repression as perceived critics face jobless life
Ordinary Cubans perceived to be even subtly critical of life in the country face a future of harassment at work, or unemployment as authorities use their control over the job market as an additional tool of repression, Amnesty International said in a new report today.
November 16, 2017 • Press Release
Cuba: Job sector, a tool of repression as perceived critics face jobless life
Ordinary Cubans perceived to be even subtly critical of life in the country face a future of harassment at work, or unemployment as authorities use their control over the job market as an additional tool of repression, Amnesty International said in a new report today.
June 14, 2017 • Press Release
Amnesty International Warns of Human Rights Consequences of Possible Cuba Policy Reversal
According to reports, the Trump administration is considering the reversal of US policy on Cuba, which could reinstate restrictions on travel and trade that had been previously eased by the Obama administration in 2014.
November 26, 2016 • Press Release
Fidel Castro’s human rights legacy: A tale of two worlds
Fidel Castro’s achievements in improving access to public services for millions of Cubans were tempered by a systemic repression of basic freedoms during his time in power, Amnesty International said following the death of the former Cuban leader.
March 18, 2016 • Press Release
Amnesty International Tells President Obama Human Rights Must be High on Cuba Agenda
Ahead of the President Obama’s trip to Cuba next week -- the first by a sitting U.S. president in 90 years -- as well as his trip to Argentina, Amnesty International urged that human rights be at the forefront of discussions with both Cuban President Raul Castro and Argentine President Mauricio Marcri. The organization issued an open letter to all three presidents outlining its top concerns in each country including the detention site at Guantánamo Bay, the U.S. economic embargo on Cuba, migrant rights and the rights of Indigenous Peoples.
February 22, 2016 • Press Release
Amnesty International’s Annual State of the World Report Slams Governments, Including the U.S., for Global Assault on Freedoms
On the launch of its 2015 State of the World report, Amnesty International USA urged President Obama to use his last year in office to bring U.S. laws and policies in line with international human rights standards.
February 18, 2016 • Press Release
Your rights in jeopardy, global assault on freedoms, warns Amnesty International
International protection of human rights is in danger of unravelling as short-term national self-interest and draconian security crackdowns have led to a wholesale assault on basic freedoms and rights, warned Amnesty International as it launched its annual assessment of human rights around the world. “Your rights are in jeopardy: they are being treated with utter contempt by many governments around the world,” said Salil Shetty, Secretary General of Amnesty International.
February 18, 2016 • Report
Amnesty International State of the World 2015-2016
International protection of human rights is in danger of unravelling as short-term national self-interest and draconian security crackdowns have led to a wholesale assault on basic freedoms and rights, warned Amnesty International as it launched its annual assessment of human rights around the world. “Your rights are in jeopardy: they are being treated with utter contempt by many governments around the world,” said Salil Shetty, Secretary General of Amnesty International.
