Extreme poverty affects 89% of Cubans, and 78% want to emigrate, according to the Eighth Study on the State of Social Rights in Cuba, released this Tuesday by the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights (OCDH).
The organization warned that blackouts, the food crisis, the cost of living, low wages, and the deterioration of public health are the main factors impacting the population, while authorities insist on denying the magnitude of the problems or blaming others.
For the first time, power outages emerged as the primary concern for Cubans (72%), slightly ahead of the food crisis (71%).
They are followed by the cost of living (61%), low wages (45%), and the lack of medications and healthcare services (42%).
In contrast, issues such as the U.S. embargo or small and medium-sized enterprises hardly concern 3% and 2% of those surveyed, respectively.
The report indicates that 78% of respondents either wish to emigrate or know someone with that intention, a phenomenon that is particularly pronounced among the youth.
The United States stands out as the preferred destination (30%), although 34% stated they would go "anywhere," reflecting the current urgency and despair.
China and Russia attract only 2% of those who wish to leave the country.
The food crisis remains severe: 7 out of 10 Cubans have stopped having breakfast, lunch, or dinner due to lack of money or food shortages, a proportion that rises to 8 out of 10 among those over 61 years old.
Only a quarter of the population has not faced issues with access to food.
Regarding medication, 12% did not obtain them due to cost and 13% due to shortages; only 3% managed to acquire them through the state pharmacy system.
The study highlights that eight out of ten people live in poverty, and six of them face difficulties in purchasing the most basic necessities.
Older adults are the most affected group (82%), followed by those who do not receive external assistance (62%) and the unemployed (34%).
Unemployment remains around 12%, with 72% of the unemployed having been out of work for over a year, a figure that rises to 81% among young people.
32% of the unemployed have been in that situation for more than three years.
14% of those over 70 continue to work after retiring, reflecting the impossibility of subsisting on minimal pensions.
The OCDH emphasizes that the disapproval of the regime is massive: 92% reject the government, while only 5% hold a favorable view.
Among young people aged 18 to 30, support drops to 3.39%.
Regarding remittances, 37% of households receive some form of aid, mainly in the form of food or medicine packages (55%), phone top-ups (58%), or cash transfers (57%).
Most receive this aid every two or three months, and only 29% on a monthly basis.
The OCDH recalled recent statements from the former Minister of Labor, who denied the existence of beggars in Cuba.
“The disconnection and indifference to the problems of the people characterize the entire regime,” stated the organization, which emphasized that the situation requires structural reforms.
"The widespread poverty and the serious crisis of social rights can only be addressed with a market economy, respect for private property, free enterprise, legal security, and foreign investments," the report concluded.
Poverty levels in Cuba have reached critical dimensions. A study revealed that 89% of families on the island live in extreme poverty, a figure that reinforces the perception that the socioeconomic situation continues to deteriorate steadily.
This alarming figure had already been reported months ago by the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights, warning about the deepening of widespread impoverishment in the country.
In a context where the Cuban government does not publish updated official statistics on poverty, economist Pedro Monreal has strongly criticized the lack of transparency in the data, arguing that this omission hinders the ability to tackle the issue with effective policies.
According to their critics, without clear figures, it is not possible to design strategies that mitigate the shortages affecting millions of people.
This scenario fits into a broader pattern: Cuba ranks as the poorest country in Latin America according to recent regional comparisons, which contradicts the official narrative that seeks to present sustained social progress.
It adds to this that the country was ranked as the ninth most miserable in the world in an international index that takes into account variables such as inflation, unemployment, and economic growth.
Citizens' distrust in the regime's management is overwhelming. A recent survey revealed that 94% of Cubans do not trust that the government can solve the country's problems, which reinforces the perception of abandonment and hopelessness among the population.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Social and Economic Crisis in Cuba
What percentage of Cubans live in extreme poverty?
89% of Cubans live in extreme poverty, according to the Eighth Study on the State of Social Rights in Cuba conducted by the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights (OCDH). This figure reflects the severe deterioration of living conditions on the island, impacted by issues such as the food crisis, blackouts, and low wages.
Why do so many Cubans wish to emigrate?
78% of Cubans want to emigrate or know someone with that intention, mainly due to despair and lack of opportunities in the country. The economic and social crisis has driven many to consider emigration as a way out, with the United States being the preferred destination. However, 34% stated that they would leave "for anywhere," reflecting the urgency to escape the current situation.
What factors are currently having the greatest impact on the Cuban population?
Blackouts, the food crisis, and the cost of living are the main issues facing Cubans today. The OCDH report highlights that these factors, along with low wages and a lack of medications, have the most significant negative impact on the population's quality of life. Furthermore, there is a growing dissatisfaction with the government, with a disapproval rate of 92%.
How does the food crisis affect Cubans?
The food crisis in Cuba is severe, with 7 out of 10 Cubans skipping breakfast, lunch, or dinner due to lack of money or food shortages. The situation is even more critical among the elderly, where this figure rises to 8 out of 10. The lack of access to basic foods and inflation are key factors exacerbating food insecurity on the island.
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