Related videos:
On Human Rights Day, the Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla affirmed that the Cuban regime reaffirms its commitment to the promotion, protection, and respect of human rights, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic.
However, this statement contrasts with the reality of a political system that, through its Constitution, imposes a single ideology, restricts fundamental freedoms, and perpetuates its power through the "irrevocable nature of socialism."
Imposition of a single ideology
The current Cuban Constitution, approved in 2019, reaffirms the socialist nature of the State and proclaims the Communist Party as "the superior leading force of society and the State."
This legal framework denies any political pluralism and establishes that socialism is "irrevocable," as reiterated in Article 4.
This constitutes a direct violation of the right to freedom of thought, expression, and association, as it removes any possibility for debate or dissent in the political sphere.
This political structure restricts freedom of expression and thought, as any expression contrary to the official ideology is suppressed.
The enforcement of a single ideology and indoctrination is reflected in the censorship of independent media and the persecution of journalists and activists who oppose the official narrative.
Death penalty for those who undermine the constitutional order.
The Cuban Constitution includes the death penalty for crimes such as "treason to the homeland," applicable to those who attempt to undermine the constitutional order.
This provision is used as a tool of intimidation against political opponents and activists, creating an atmosphere of fear that inhibits civic participation and criticism of the government, as independent journalist Camila Acosta denounced on her social media. On December 10, she once again became a target of State Security repression.
The existence of the death penalty within the Cuban legal framework has been criticized by international human rights organizations, which highlight its incompatibility with the respect for life and human dignity.
Perpetuation of power through the "irrevocable nature of socialism."
In 2002, a constitutional amendment was introduced declaring the socialist nature of Cuba's political and social system as "irrevocable," thereby preventing any transition to another political model.
This clause shuts the door to democratic reforms and perpetuates the power of the PCC by legally establishing the impossibility of changes to the country's political structure.
The declaration of the irrevocability of socialism has been used to justify the repression of pro-democracy movements and the criminalization of any attempts to promote political reform, as illustrated by the statements of the late Corina Mestre, a State Security agent and mentor to actress Ana de Armas, who is in a relationship with Manuel Anido Cuesta, the stepson of the "leader of continuity."
Systematic violations of human rights
Despite official claims, systematic violations of human rights are recorded in Cuba. International organizations have documented arbitrary arrests, restrictions on freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, as well as inhumane conditions in prisons.
The protests on July 11, 2021, highlighted state repression, with hundreds of demonstrators detained and subjected to summary trials without proper legal guarantees. The government’s response to these demonstrations included the excessive use of force, internet shutdowns to prevent communication, and censorship of independent media.
Contradictions between the official discourse and reality.
Cuba's adherence to international human rights instruments stands in stark contrast to the country's internal reality. Although the government claims to respect human rights, in practice, there is a constant violation of these rights, particularly concerning civil and political freedoms.
The lack of judicial independence and the subordination of the courts to political power prevent victims of human rights violations from obtaining justice. Moreover, the absence of a strong civil society and the persecution of non-governmental organizations hinder the defense and promotion of human rights on the island.
In summary, Rodríguez Parrilla's statements regarding Cuba's commitment to human rights, as enshrined in its Constitution, stand in stark contrast to a reality characterized by the imposition of a single ideology, the criminalization of dissent, and the perpetuation of a political system that restricts fundamental freedoms.
The international community and human rights organizations continue to urge the Cuban government to adhere to its international obligations and to ensure full respect for human rights for all its citizens.
Filed under: