Cuban families seek help to find the missing teenagers in Matanzas

Two teenagers have disappeared in Matanzas: Melanie Rodríguez, 13 years old, and Yoandriane Díaz, 14. Families and NGOs criticize the lack of effective protocols in Cuba and are calling for urgent assistance.

Missing teenagers in MatanzasPhoto © Facebook Magaly Santiago

Related videos:

Two Cuban teenagers, Melanie Rodríguez González, 13 years old, and Yoandriane Díaz García, 14 years old, have been missing in Matanzas for more than a week, according to reports from their families on social media.

Both minors were last seen in the city of Cárdenas, and since then, there has been no news of their whereabouts.

Yoandriane Díaz García left her home at Calle Progreso #1137 on Saturday, January 13, with a backpack containing clothes. Since then, she has not returned nor contacted her family.

Melanie Rodríguez González was last seen at the José Martí School in Cárdenas, wearing an orange skirt, before disappearing.

Families are seeking help to find the missing teenagers

"I will never tire of sharing your disappearance, Yoandriane. Life itself will show you that there is nothing and no one in this world who loves you more than your family and close friends," expressed Magaly Santiago on Facebook.

Facebook Magaly Santiago

In his message, he also reached out to the teenager: “Face your reality, please, and if you feel love in your heart, do not be afraid, call or look for your family, as they are truly your most valuable treasure.”

The report of the disappearance was made last week. The parents of the girls have informed the police authorities about the situation, but so far they have not received conclusive information regarding the whereabouts of the minors.

Families have set up contact numbers +53 5261 9752 and +53 5945 2653 for anyone who may provide information about the case.

Additionally, the independent feminist platform Alas Tensas provided guidance to families about their rights and the reporting process, while highlighting the lack of effective protocols in the country to address disappearances.

The Gender Observatory Alas Tensas (OGAT) noted that cases of disappearances in Cuba have increased in recent months, with at least 10 remaining unresolved.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Disappearances of Teenagers in Matanzas, Cuba

Who are the missing teenagers in Matanzas?

The missing teenagers are Melanie Rodríguez González, 13 years old, and Yoandriane Díaz García, 14 years old. Both were last seen in the city of Cárdenas, and their families have sought help through social media to locate them.

What measures have the families of the missing teenagers taken?

Families have reported the disappearances to the police authorities and have provided contact numbers to receive information. They have also used social media to spread the word about the disappearances and to request public assistance in the search for the minors.

What is the current situation of the protocols for searching for missing persons in Cuba?

In Cuba, there is a lack of effective protocols to address disappearances of individuals. This has been highlighted by organizations such as Alas Tensas, which criticize the ineffectiveness of the authorities and advocate for the establishment of stronger procedures for the search and protection of missing persons.

How can citizens help in the search for Melanie and Yoandriane?

Citizens can help by providing any relevant information to the contact numbers provided by the families. Additionally, sharing information on social media can increase the case's visibility and facilitate community collaboration in the search for the adolescents.

Filed under:

CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.