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Activists from the Latin American Network of Youth for Democracy (Youth LAC) demanded the resignation of Brazilian Alexandre Pupo Quintino, Secretary General of the International Youth Organization for Ibero-America (OIJ), following his trip to Cuba as part of the Nuestra América Flotilla.
Through a public letter to the national representatives, ministers and national directors of Youth from Ibero-American countries, to the Ibero-American Secretary General, Andrés Allamand, and to the board of the International Organization of Youth for Ibero-America, the signatories demand the resignation of the Brazilian, stating that "such action constitutes a serious lack of institutional coherence."
Moreover, they believe that the executive's trip represents "a departure from the democratic principles and human rights that should guide the organization."
"The youth of our region cannot be represented by authorities who diminish or ignore the lack of fundamental freedoms. International institutions must stand with those who fight for democracy, not with those who restrict it," stated Julieta Altieri, President of Youth LAC.
The document, signed by the LAC Youth Steering Committee, requests explanations regarding the possible use of public resources from the OIJ for participation in this initiative, as well as the potential usage of work hours for purposes unrelated to the institutional mandate.
Millions of young people in Ibero-America demand democracy, freedom, and unconditional respect for their rights, and these aspirations continue to be denied in Cuba after more than six decades of authoritarian rule, the signatories argue.
Furthermore, Juventud LAC warns that the executive's trip to the island weakens the credibility of the Ibero-American system, especially in the context leading up to the upcoming Ibero-American Summit to be held in Madrid, and calls on the governments of the region to take a clear stand in defense of human rights.
Finally, it urges national youth authorities to demand the resignation of Pupo Quintino and to “stand with those who continue to be oppressed, pursued, and silenced in our region.”
The Latin American Network of Young People for Democracy (Juventud LAC) is a regional platform that brings together organizations and youth leaders committed to promoting democracy, defending human rights, ensuring electoral transparency, and encouraging active political participation in Latin America and the Caribbean.
In a video released after his arrival on the island, the executive stated that Cuba is an active member of his organization and that "being here also means standing side by side with Cuban youth."
Convoy Our America
According to the organizers, the convoy is expected to transport more than 20 tons of humanitarian aid through various means —air, land, and sea— to Cuban territory.
In the coming days, the arrival of new groups and shipments is expected, including a delegation that arrived from Mexico this weekend with more supplies.
The visit of these activists has involved a series of meetings held in recent days with officials and institutions of the Cuban State, including exchanges with the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel.
The journalist Yoani Sánchez reacted this Saturday on social media to these visits with a direct message: “We are not a theme park. Go do your ideological tourism somewhere else. We are suffering here.”
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