The Cuban activist and executive director of the organization Ciudadanía y Libertad, Carolina Barrero, announced through the social network X her participation from March 11 to 22 in the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
During this important international forum, Barrero committed to preventing the official delegation of the Cuban regime and the Federation of Cuban Women (FMC) from speaking on behalf of Cuban women.
"We will not allow the delegation of the Cuban regime and the FMC to speak on behalf of the brave women of Río Cauto or Cuban women. They do not represent us," Barrero stated emphatically.
In her message, the activist harshly questioned the Cuban regime's ability to authentically represent women's rights, denouncing the lack of recognition of femicide as a crime in Cuba and the alarming annual rise in the disappearances and murders of women.
Furthermore, he criticized the government's refusal to promote a comprehensive gender law and the repression against human rights defenders and mothers who are protesting the difficult economic conditions they are facing.
"They will not silence us: Cuban women want a dignified country that we can pass on to our children", Barrero stated, expressing gratitude to all the people, especially women, whose donations made her presence at the UN possible.
The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the main intergovernmental body dedicated to promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women globally.
Annually brings together state representatives, civil society organizations, feminist movements, academics, and gender experts to assess the progress and challenges related to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995) and other international commitments on women's rights.
Barrero's participation has generated significant media impact and attention on social networks, once again raising discussions about the political instrumentalization of civil organizations by the Cuban government.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Representation of Cuban Women at the UN and the Human Rights Situation in Cuba
Why does Carolina Barrero claim that the FMC does not represent Cuban women?
Carolina Barrero maintains that the Cuban Federation of Women (FMC) does not represent Cuban women because she believes the Cuban regime does not adequately recognize women's rights, including the lack of classification of femicide as a crime and the increase in disappearances and murders of women. In her message, Barrero criticizes the government's refusal to enact a comprehensive gender law and the repression against human rights defenders.
What role does the UN Commission on the Status of Women play?
The Commission on the Legal and Social Status of Women (CSW) is the primary intergovernmental body dedicated to promoting gender equality and women's empowerment on a global scale. This forum brings together annually state representatives, civil society organizations, feminist movements, academics, and gender experts to assess the progress and challenges related to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995) and other international commitments on women's rights.
What is the current situation of human rights in Cuba according to Carolina Barrero?
Carolina Barrero describes Cuba as a "failed state" facing a collapse in energy generation, access to drinking water, food, and basic services such as education and health. She denounces that ineffective government policies have led to a humanitarian crisis and that EU aid does not reach the population but instead benefits a corrupt elite. Barrero also highlights the repression against civil society and political prisoners.
What initiatives has the Cuban government implemented to address gender-based violence?
The Cuban government has announced the implementation of a hotline in 40 municipalities to provide support to victims of gender-based violence, collect data, and generate statistics on the issue. This initiative is part of the project "Support for the National Response to Gender-Based Violence," coordinated by the FMC with backing from UNFPA and funding from the Canadian embassy in Cuba. However, the lack of recognition of femicide as a crime and the insufficient transparency in the disclosure of official figures are criticized by independent feminist platforms.
What impact has Carolina Barrero's participation in the UN had?
Carolina Barrero's participation at the UN has generated significant media coverage and attention on social media, once again bringing to light the political exploitation of civil organizations by the Cuban government. Her presence at the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women has been made possible through donations from individuals who support her cause, highlighting her commitment to defending the rights of Cuban women.
Filed under: