European Parliament regrets the deterioration of democracy and human rights in Cuba

The European Parliament on Wednesday condemned the systematic violations and abuses of human rights in Cuba and called for EU sanctions starting with President Miguel Díaz-Canel.

With 359 votes in favour, 226 against and 50 abstentions, the plenary adopted a resolution – following the debate in plenary on 13 June – calling on the Cuban authorities to end the policy of repression, which has intensified in recent times. MEPs call for the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained solely for exercising their human rights, the withdrawal of abusive criminal charges and for exiles to be allowed to return.

The text recalls that the EU-Cuba Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement includes a human rights clause and that, in case of violation, the Agreement can be suspended. MEPs stress that the human rights crisis in Cuba must be met with “a proportionate response from the Union and the Member States”. They call for a strong and public condemnation of the repression and increased support for civil society representatives.

The EP also urges the Council to adopt sanctions against those responsible for the persistent human rights violations in Cuba, starting with President Miguel Díaz-Canel, as the pre-eminent figure in the chain of command of the Cuban security forces, along with other senior members of the Cuban government.

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Regarding the visit to the island by EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy Josep Borrell in May, MEPs criticise the fact that he did not meet with representatives of independent civil society, political prisoners or their families and regret the “missed opportunity”. The resolution rejects the counterproductive effect of “whitewashing the Cuban regime to which his visit has contributed”.

MEPs believe that the EU-CELAC summit in Brussels on 17-18 July is an opportunity to defend the principles of the rule of law, democracy and human rights. Autocratic regimes should not take part in such meetings between countries that share democratic values and respect human rights, say MEPs. They encourage leaders to issue a declaration calling for respect for human rights in both regions, with particular attention to the situation in Cuba.

In this context, the resolution also denounces the Cuban regime’s support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and its defence of Russia and Belarus, and regrets that this position has not led the EU to take action.

Finally, MEPs insist on calling on the Cuban authorities to grant access to a delegation from the European Parliament, the EU and Member States and independent human rights organisations to observe the trials and to visit hundreds of Cuban activists and individuals who are still detained for exercising their right to freedom of expression and assembly.

More information: European Parliament