Opposition leader José Daniel Ferrer voiced strong criticism against the European Union (EU) on Wednesday, accusing the organization of showing a complete lack of interest in the plight of human rights defenders in Cuba. In a social media post, Ferrer expressed his frustration with the EU, emphasizing that despite Cuban dissidents' peaceful efforts to uphold democracy and human rights, the EU has shown no interest in understanding the survival struggles of those fighting in Cuban prisons, which he described as "modern concentration camps."
"If Cuban democrats were instead European supporters of regimes like those in Cuba, Venezuela, or North Korea, we would receive extensive backing from many of the world's dictatorships," Ferrer stated on Facebook. "But because we are peaceful advocates for democracy and human rights, the EU office in Cuba hasn't shown the slightest interest in even making a simple call to ask us how we survive in these modern concentration camps that are Cuban jails," he added.
Ferrer also acknowledged the support of certain European Parliament members who have demonstrated solidarity, expressing gratitude within a context where the EU's policy on Cuba has faced significant criticism from Cuban opposition. "Thanks to the members of the European Parliament who have been very supportive," he said.
This sharp critique from Ferrer comes amid ongoing tensions with the EU regarding its stance on the Cuban regime. In 2021, Cuban dissidents Guillermo Fariñas and Berta Soler, recipients of the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, also accused the EU of neglect, arguing that it failed to uphold its commitment to supporting human rights defenders on the island. The dissidents even threatened to return their awards if the EU did not alter its policy toward Cuba, claiming the bloc had chosen "diplomatic silence" in response to human rights violations in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions on EU's Role in Cuban Human Rights
What are José Daniel Ferrer's main criticisms of the EU?
José Daniel Ferrer criticizes the EU for a complete lack of interest in the situation of human rights defenders in Cuba, accusing them of ignoring the struggles of those in Cuban prisons.
What did Ferrer say about European support for Cuban democrats?
Ferrer suggested that if Cuban democrats supported regimes like those in Cuba, Venezuela, or North Korea, they would receive considerable support, unlike their current situation.
How did other Cuban dissidents like Fariñas and Soler react to the EU's stance?
Guillermo Fariñas and Berta Soler condemned the EU for failing to fulfill its commitment to support human rights defenders in Cuba and threatened to return their Sakharov Prizes if the policy did not change.