The nonprofit organization Amnesty International has launched an initiative advocating for human rights in Cuba, encouraging individuals to sign a manifesto that demands respect for freedom of expression on the island. This call to action, titled "Respect Freedom of Expression in Cuba," was unveiled on social media at the end of October. It invites people to show their support, especially at a time when over a thousand Cubans are imprisoned for demanding their rightful freedoms and opposing the regime that has ruled for 65 years.
The independent organization asserts, "Cuban authorities must respect the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly," as it has previously condemned the repression in Cuba and demanded the immediate release of all political prisoners. The document argues that "protecting human rights is essential for everyone to enjoy a dignified life with equality," emphasizing the vision of a world where people can express themselves freely and protest peacefully without fearing persecution or retaliation.
Amnesty International urged, "Sign the manifesto and join us in ensuring that governments commit to respecting, defending, and realizing human rights for all individuals." Recently, the organization declared Félix Navarro and his daughter Sayli Navarro, the July 11, 2021 protester Roberto Pérez Fonseca, and activist Luis Robles as prisoners of conscience. AI demanded their "immediate and unconditional release" and condemned the "systematic human rights violations" and suppression of dissent on the island.
Concerns Over Increased Repression
Following the protests on July 11 and 12, 2021, Amnesty International expressed concern over the Cuban regime's response, which involved mass and arbitrary detentions and the introduction of a new Penal Code that intensifies censorship. These actions reflect a troubling disregard for basic freedoms, as noted by the organization during their address to the UN Human Rights Council last March.
In the aftermath of the summer 2021 protests, known as 11J, AI initiated a petition supporting and standing in solidarity with Cubans who took to the streets demanding rights and freedoms. The organization called on the government to end repression and engage in dialogue with independent civil society.
Ongoing Detention of Political Prisoners
As of last September, Prisoners Defenders documented 1,113 political prisoners in Cuba. Their record includes 116 women, 30 minors, and 356 individuals with medical conditions, among them 62 with mental health disorders. This situation underscores the persistent human rights challenges facing the Cuban population under the current regime.