January 29, 2007
Deja vú for Cuban human rights in 2006
The writing is a bit muted, considering the magnitude of the human rights tragedy in Cuba, but Amnesty International this morning has issued a report summarizing the persecution and other abuses committed by the castro regime in 2006.
"For the past 40 years, Amnesty International (AI) has campaigned against human rights violations committed by the Cuban government, in particular, the imprisonment of political dissidents and journalists as a result of severe restrictions on the freedom of expression, freedom of association and assembly," AI states.
In 2006, there was more of the same.
Warning: The U.S. "embargo" is criticized, but the bulk of the report is an indictment of the castro regime, whichever of the two bastards is in charge. It is refreshing to see Amnesty focus on the parts of Cuba outside of Gitmo.
The complete report is posted here, with links to more information about some of the individuals named within.
Posted by Marc at January 29, 2007 11:53 AM
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Here's a comment that's interesting:
"Warning: The U.S. 'embargo' is criticized"
The nerve of Amnesty International to criticize the "embargo"! They should be more sensitive to the readers of Babalu Blog. Thanks for the warning Marc, because if I didn't prepare myself who knows how I would've unleashed by rage.
So, here's a bigger warning about Amnesty's broader position on the "embargo".
WARNING! WARNING!
"Amnesty International recognizes that the US embargo has contributed to a climate in which human rights violations occur in Cuba. The embargo does so, in part, by serving as a rationale for the Cuban state to maintain legislation that outlaws the exercise of fundamental freedoms. In addition, by curtailing access to medicines and other basic supplies, the embargo makes conditions for all Cubans, including prisoners of conscience, political prisoners or other detainees, more difficult. Although Amnesty International takes no general position on the legitimacy of economic sanctions against governments or armed groups anywhere in the world, it recognizes that such sanctions can have adverse implications for all human rights: economic, social, cultural, civil and political."
Posted by: Mambi Watch ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.babalublog.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at January 29, 2007 02:47 PM
There is no bigger contributor to the "climate in which human rights violations occur in Cuba," than the regime itself.
Lifting of the "embargo," such as it is, might eliminate an excuse for the regime to repress its own people, but since when did the castro brothers need an excuse? It is in their nature, and embargo or no embargo, will not change that.
For the best evidence, consider this: Trade with the rest of the world — Canada, Europe, etc. — has not made the dictatorship less of a dictatorship. To lift the "embargo" and other sanctions without first real change — the exile of the castros, a timetable for elections, the release of political prisoners, etc. — would only condemn Cubans to more of the same.
Posted by: Marc Masferrer at January 29, 2007 02:59 PM
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