Related videos:
Cuban teenagers, Melanie Rodríguez González, age 13, and Yoandriane Díaz García, age 14, have been missing in the province of Matanzas for over two weeks, with no information about their whereabouts so far.
Magaly Santiago, a Facebook user who has closely followed the case and maintains direct contact with the mother of one of the minors, confirmed to CiberCuba that the teenagers are still missing.
"18 days have passed, and there is still no hope of finding them," declared Santiago, who has been reporting on the situation since the beginning. "There is no news about either of them and there is also no certainty that they were together or left together. This situation is strange, and there is a worrisome silence regarding it," he added.
Yoandriane Díaz García was last seen on Saturday, January 13, when she left her home on Progreso Street #1137 with a backpack containing clothing. Since then, she has not returned or contacted her family.
Melanie Rodríguez González was last seen at the José Martí School in Cárdenas, wearing an orange skirt, before disappearing without a trace.
The families of the missing girls have repeatedly called on the public for any information that may assist in locating them.
"I will never tire of sharing your disappearance, Yoandriane. Life itself will show you that there is nothing and no one in this world that loves you more than your family and close friends," wrote Magaly Santiago on her Facebook profile 15 days ago.
The reports regarding the disappearance of both minors have already been notified to the police authorities, but so far, there has been no conclusive information about their whereabouts.
For any leads that may assist in the search, the families have provided the contact numbers: +53 5261 9752 and +53 5945 2653.
For its part, the independent feminist platform Alas Tensas provided guidance to families about their rights and the reporting process, highlighting the lack of effective protocols in Cuba for addressing cases of disappearances.
The Gender Observatory Alas Tensas (OGAT) noted that cases of disappearances on the island have increased in recent months, and that at least 10 remain unresolved, highlighting the urgent need to improve search and response mechanisms for these situations.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Disappearance of Minors in Cuba
Who are Melanie Rodríguez González and Yoandriane Díaz García?
Melanie Rodríguez González and Yoandriane Díaz García are two missing minors in Cuba, specifically in the province of Matanzas. Melanie is 13 years old and was last seen at the José Martí School in Cárdenas, while 14-year-old Yoandriane disappeared after leaving her home in Cárdenas with a backpack of clothing.
What measures are being taken to find Melanie and Yoandriane?
The families of the teenagers have reported their disappearance to the police authorities and have made appeals to the public for information regarding their whereabouts. Contact numbers +53 5261 9752 and +53 5945 2653 have been set up for any leads that may assist in the search. Furthermore, the independent feminist platform Alas Tensas is providing guidance to the families on their rights and the reporting process.
Why are disappearances common in Cuba?
Disappearances are becoming increasingly frequent in Cuba due to the lack of effective protocols and legal resources to address these cases. The rise in unresolved cases reflects an urgent need to improve search mechanisms and response to these situations. The negligence of the authorities and the absence of an official channel to raise awareness of these cases forces families to turn to social media and independent organizations.
What role do independent organizations play in the search for the missing in Cuba?
Independent organizations, such as Alas Tensas, play a crucial role in guiding families about their rights and in raising awareness of disappearance cases. These organizations highlight the lack of effective protocols in Cuba and work to provide support and resources to affected families. Additionally, they promote initiatives like "Alerta Mayde" to assist in finding missing minors.
Filed under: