Amnesty International launches campaign for human rights in Cuba

The non-governmental organization Amnesty International (AI) launched a campaign for human rights in Cuba, with a call to sign a manifesto that demands respect for freedom of expression on the island.

The appeal "Respect Freedom of Expression in Cuba" was launched on social media at the end of October and is open for signatures from those who wish to express their support for this cause, at a time when there are over a thousand Cubans imprisoned for claiming their rights and freedoms and for dissenting against the regime imposed in the country for the past 65 years.

"Cuban authorities must respect the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly," asserts the independent organization, which has previously denounced the repression on the island and demanded the immediate release of all political prisoners from the Cuban government.

"The protection of human rights is crucial for everyone to enjoy a life of dignity and equality," the document argues. "We want to live in a world where it is guaranteed that all people can express themselves freely and assemble peacefully without fear of persecution or reprisal."

"Sign and join the manifesto for governments to commit to respecting, defending, and making human rights a reality for all people," urged Amnesty International.

Recently, the organization declared prisoners of conscience the dissidents Félix Navarro and his daughter Sayli Navarro, the protester from July 11, 2021, Roberto Pérez Fonseca, and the activist Luis Robles.

AI demanded their "immediate and unconditional release" and denounced the "systematic violations of human rights" and the repression of any form of dissent on the island.

Following the protests on July 11 and 12, 2021, Amnesty International expressed alarm at the Cuban regime's response, which included mass and arbitrary detentions as well as the implementation of a new Penal Code that intensifies censorship. These actions reflect a troubling disregard for fundamental freedoms, as the organization warned before the UN Human Rights Council last March.

Days after the popular uprising of summer 2021, known as 11J, AI issued a call for support and solidarity with the Cubans who took to the streets to demand rights and freedoms during the protests. They called on the government to end the repression and open a dialogue with independent civil society.

The organization Prisoners Defenders recorded 1,113 political prisoners in Cuba as of last September. According to their records, among these individuals are 116 women, 30 minors, and 356 people with medical conditions, including 62 with mental health disorders.