The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, called on the Cuban government, on Thursday 29 July, to respect the human rights and freedoms enshrined in universal Human Rights Conventions and to engage in a dialogue with the population.
The government repression of demonstrations is reportedly the largest since 1994 (see EUROPE 12761/16).
“The public demonstrations reflect legitimate grievances in the population about the lack of food, medicines, water and power, as well as freedom of expression and freedom of the press”, the High Representative said in a statement on behalf of the EU.
Supporting “unequivocally” the right of all Cuban citizens to express their views peacefully, to make demands for change, as well as to assemble to give voice to their opinions, “including on the internet”, Mr Borrell called on the Cuban government to release all arbitrarily detained protesters, to listen to the voices of its citizens and to engage in an inclusive dialogue on their grievances.
“The Cuban people are suffering and all necessary measures should be taken by the government to address this”, the High Representative warned. He therefore welcomed the lifting of restrictions for travellers, allowing them to bring unlimited amounts of food and medicines, as a “first step in the right direction.
According to Mr Borrell, internal economic reforms are needed to address the grievances of the population. “External trade and foreign investment also play a crucial role in setting the country on a path towards modernisation, political and economic reforms and sustainable growth, and could help it overcome the economic hardship worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic”, he explained. The High Representative said that the easing of external restrictions, including on remittances and travel, would be helpful in this regard.
For its part, the EU is ready to support all efforts addressed to improve the living conditions of Cubans, Mr Borrell warned. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)