The European Parliament has labeled Cuba's medical brigades as a form of "modern slavery" and "forced labor." This declaration follows the approval of an amendment to the annual foreign policy report, signaling a shift in the diplomatic stance of the bloc towards the Havana regime. Spanish MEP Antonio López-Istúriz White introduced the amendment, which now forms part of the document guiding the European Union's international actions, also condemning the dictatorships in Venezuela and Nicaragua.
"For the first time, we have included this denunciation about the infamous 'Cuban medical brigades' in the @EP_ForeignAff annual report summarizing and conditioning European foreign policy," López-Istúriz announced on the social media platform X.
Known as Amendment 311, it accuses these medical missions, promoted by the Cuban regime as acts of solidarity, of being exploitative mechanisms violating the fundamental freedoms of the participating doctors and healthcare professionals.
A Lucrative Exploitation Scheme
Human rights organizations, defected doctors, and independent studies have revealed that Cuban professionals are sent abroad under constant surveillance, with their passports confiscated, unable to travel with their families, and without full access to the salaries paid by host countries. It is estimated that the Cuban regime seizes between 75% and 90% of each doctor's pay, making these brigades one of the state’s principal revenue sources.
The European Parliament views this practice as contemporary slavery, which runs counter to the values and principles upheld by the bloc.
A Diplomatic Blow to Castro's Propaganda
With this decision, the European Parliament sends a strong international message, highlighting what they see as exploitation masked as medical cooperation. The inclusion of this denunciation in the core European foreign policy document sets a precedent that could lead to sanctions, restrictions, and increased pressure on the Cuban regime.
The report also reaffirms the Parliament's commitment to human rights and democracy in Latin America, extending its condemnation to the human rights violations perpetrated by the governments of Daniel Ortega in Nicaragua and Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, both allies of Castro's regime.
The resolution has been welcomed by activists and organizations that have long denounced the semi-slavery conditions endured by thousands of Cuban healthcare professionals. It signifies progress in bringing to light the plight of the victims of one of the regime’s key propaganda tools.
Key Aspects of the European Parliament's Decision
What are the Cuban medical brigades accused of?
The Cuban medical brigades are accused of being a form of modern slavery and forced labor, exploiting healthcare professionals by confiscating their passports, restricting their movement, and withholding a significant portion of their salaries.
Who introduced the amendment in the European Parliament?
The amendment was introduced by Spanish MEP Antonio López-Istúriz White. It is part of the annual foreign policy report guiding the European Union's international actions.
What could be the potential consequences of this decision?
The inclusion of this denunciation could lead to sanctions, restrictions, and increased international pressure on the Cuban regime, marking a significant shift in the European Union's diplomatic stance.