The situation in Cuba reemerged in hemispheric debates thanks to the participation of representatives from independent civil society at the 56th General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS), which is being held this week in Panama City.
The activist Carolina Barrero, representing the organization Ciudadanía y Libertad, and the opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer took advantage of the dialogue opportunities available to civil society to denounce human rights violations on the Island, demand the release of political prisoners, and advocate for the necessity of a democratic transition.
The participation of independent Cuban organizations in the General Assembly of the OAS represents an opportunity to convey to the international community the concerns and proposals of sectors of civil society that have little room for action within Cuba.
The meeting brings together government representatives, international organizations, and social organizations from across the continent to discuss democracy, human rights, security, and development.
Citizenship and Freedom intervened in the dialogue between the OAS, civil society, and social actors, a space that allows independent organizations to present their proposals directly to the delegations of member states and to the authorities of the regional body.
In statements made to CubaNet during the meeting, Barrero questioned the recent economic measures announced by the Cuban regime and warned that they do not represent a solution to the structural problems facing the country.
"Many revisits the measures of Raúl Castro from 2007, while others are new measures that make us wonder why they weren't implemented earlier. The embargo remains in place. What was the obstacle preventing these improvements for Cuba, for Cubans, and for the Cuban economy from being enacted sooner?" he expressed.
The activist stated that the announced economic changes should not divert attention from the lack of fundamental freedoms on the Island.
"Now that the regime wants to deceive again with this resource, with this theater of illusions, we are here to announce that the only path to a free Cuba is through civil and political liberties," he stated.
Barrero also called for the support of democratic governments to promote a democratic transition in Cuba and assured that the cause of freedom on the Island is strengthened through cooperation between civil society organizations and international allies committed to democracy and human rights.
A call to action from civil society
The political prisoner and leader of UNPACU forced into exile, José Daniel Ferrer, also took the opportunity to call for a stronger stance from OAS member countries against the Cuban regime and to emphasize the need for concrete actions that would promote democratic changes on the Island.
The tragedy faced by the Cuban people must end, stated the opposition figure, who urged the governments of the continent to join initiatives aimed at demanding an end to repression and the initiation of a democratic transition process.
Ferrer emphasized that the defense of democracy in Cuba should hold a priority position on the regional agenda and highlighted the importance of international solidarity with those facing political persecution.
"Not only are we raising awareness about the tragedy our people are experiencing and the plight of political prisoners; we are also demanding concrete actions in favor of respecting human rights and transitioning to democracy in Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua", he noted in his statements to the aforementioned media outlet.
In addition to participating in the official OAS dialogue with civil society, Ciudadanía y Libertad engages in parallel events dedicated to transitional justice and the development of proposals for a future democratic transition in Cuba, alongside allied organizations and human rights experts.
The presence of Cuban activists at the OAS General Assembly reflects the efforts of independent civil society to keep the situation on the Island on the hemispheric agenda and to build international alliances that contribute to the defense of human rights, the release of political prisoners, and the advancement of democracy in Cuba.
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