The disappearance of women in Cuba appears to be an escalating issue, with at least ten unsolved cases, some dating back more than ten years. The Alas Tensas Gender Observatory (OGAT) has released a list of cases that remain unresolved, while the families of missing women and girls desperately seek answers.
The lack of proper protocols, limited legal resources, and the criminalization of independent organizations have left families in a state of despair and helplessness, OGAT notes. Below, we highlight ten Cuban women and girls whose disappearances remain unsolved, according to OGAT:
Unresolved Cases of Missing Women
Lali Paola Moliner: Missing since February 26, 2024, in Cojímar, Havana. Three-year-old Lali, who suffers from asthma and allergies, vanished after her mother was found dead under unclear circumstances.
Karildi Caridad Marín: Disappeared on December 14, 2023, in Havana. The 24-year-old went to a party and never returned, leaving her family with more questions than answers.
Maydeleisis Rosales Rodríguez: Missing since May 30, 2019, in Centro Havana. Despite investigations, the 16-year-old has not been found, and her case remains a mystery.
Esperanza Cabrera Melvin: Vanished on December 19, 2024, in Matanzas while heading to a nearby town. Police have made little progress in the investigation.
Damaris Ricardo Frómetas: Missing since October 2009 in Wajay, Havana. Her case was reported in 2023 and continues to lack clear answers from authorities.
Beisy Moraima Pedroso Ramírez: Disappeared on May 30, 2017, in Mantilla, Havana. Despite multiple reports, her family has received insufficient information from the authorities.
Jianis Sánchez Páez: Missing since June 14, 2019, in San Miguel del Padrón, Havana. After witnessing her husband's murder, Jianis left her daughters with a neighbor and never returned.
Felicia Gómez Díaz: Disappeared on December 5, 2024, in Trinidad, Sancti Spíritus. Despite searches, no trace of Felicia has been found.
Claudia Cárdenas: Missing since August 7, 2024, in Ciego de Ávila. The 27-year-old, who suffers from mental health issues, has not been located, and her family remains without clear answers from the police.
Mabel García Corrales: Disappeared on July 1, 2024, in Ciego de Ávila. Mabel, aged 54, was last seen at her home and never returned, with no progress made in her case.
The Systemic Failures and Families’ Pleas for Justice
These cases highlight the inadequate institutional response in Cuba and the anguish of families demanding justice and clear answers. The Cuban regime fails to issue alert systems to help locate missing women and often neglects to follow up on cases, according to family complaints. Without an efficient alert system and with a police force lacking resources and support, the situation for missing persons and their loved ones grows increasingly dire, OGAT laments.
Frequently Asked Questions about Missing Women in Cuba
Why is there a rise in the disappearance of women in Cuba?
The increase in disappearances may be attributed to a lack of effective protocols, limited legal resources, and a government that criminalizes independent organizations, leaving families without support.
How are families affected by the lack of resolution in these cases?
Families experience immense despair and helplessness due to the absence of clear answers and institutional support, which exacerbates their suffering.
What actions are being taken to address these disappearances?
Currently, there are insufficient actions being taken by the Cuban regime. Independent organizations like OGAT are bringing attention to these cases, but significant government intervention remains lacking.