Cuba: Speech by the High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell in the EP Plenary on the human rights situation in the country

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Mr President, Honourable Members of the European Parliament, 

The protests in Cuba on 11 July and 15 November reflected legitimate grievances by the Cuban people about the dire economic situation of the country, but also had an important political dimension, with citizens demanding freedom of expression and of the press, civil and political rights, in short: democracy.

The European Union unequivocally supports the right of Cuba’s citizens to express their views peacefully and demand change. We have repeatedly called on the Cuban authorities to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of association and peaceful assembly, to release people arbitrarily detained and to engage in an inclusive dialogue on the grievances of its citizens.

The cases of Cubans facing repression following the events of 11 July and 15 November are of great concern to us. And as we have repeatedly declared, the European Union expects Cuba to respect every citizen’s fundamental freedoms and human dignity, including access to justice and the right to a fair trial.

Already in July this year, the High Representative/Vice-President Borrell urged the Cuban government to release all arbitrarily detained protesters. And, since then, the European Union has regularly raised the cases of individuals facing repression, with the Cuban authorities at all different levels, both in Havana and in Brussels, and will continue to do so.

Human rights are an essential part of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA) that we have with Cuba. The European Union reiterates its policy of critical engagement with Cuba in the framework of this agreement. We will continue to demand full respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms. We will continue to promote and support reforms, which are more necessary than ever, in order to improve the lives of the Cuban people.

Thank you.


Link https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-215530