The Violation of Human Rights in Cuba
One of the largest Human Rights violations occurring in the world today is on the small island of Cuba. The government there is repressing the civil and political rights of all it citizens mainly the right to free speech and free press.
Article 53 of the Cuban Constitution provides: “Freedom of speech and press are recognized for citizens consistent with the purposes of socialist society. The material conditions for their exercise are present by the fact that the press, radio, television, movies, and others mass media are state-owned or socially owned, and can in no event be privately owned, which ensures their use exclusively in the service of the working people and in the interest of society.
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An official journalist in Cuba cannot choose which story to write, and cannot express their own opinion. In Cuba there is no freedom of the press that would allow for different political views, which are fundamental for a democratic regime. Radio, television, and the print media are rather instruments of ideological imposition that follow the dictates of the group in power and are used to transmit the messages from that group to the grass roots and the intermediate levels. The main newspapers in Cuba reflect only the viewpoints of the government. Only to a very limited extent do they report on the debates that take place within the high-level officials of the state. As a result, self- criticism is also limited. It is a role the press plays with a view to transmitting the grievances of the grassroots to the top officials in power. Nonetheless, in no way do these grievances overstep the limits of ideological conformity. In no way can they oppose, or become spokespersons advocating a radical change in the prevailing regime, or that hold upper-level government officials accountable in relation to substantive political issues.
The Castro regime maintains a firm stance against independent journalism. In June 1998 the government labeled Cuba's small group of independent reporters “self titled independent journalists’ dedicated to defaming our people by means of the radio stations that broadcast from Miami against Cuba.” (Human Rights Watch
Cuban history, like many other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean which have experienced colonial subjugation and imperial interference, is highlighted by tumultuous rebellions. Ever since the revolt of Carlos Manuel de Cespedes in 1868, who took up arms with his slaves to liberate Cuba from Spain’s colonial grasp, the existence of insurrectionists and adamant government opposition in Cuba has flourished. Social revolution and a strong will and practice of nationalism has indelibly characterized Cuban history. Nevertheless, the outcomes of particular movements and struggles for social justice have consistently frustrated revolutionary and radical leaders. Government regimes throughout
In 1959, Fidel Castro led a group of rebel forces to end and overthrow Fulgencio Batista’s regime in an effort to free the Cuban people from his tyrannous rule. For very many different political reasons this has been portrayed as an act of great injustice and hypocrisy in the modern world. A lot of this has of course been advocated primarily by the US due to the high level of political tension between the two nations that developed in the mid 1950s. Believing this conventional wisdom that Castro was simply an evil communist who oppressed his people and stripped them of their human rights is very dangerous because it
Also, there isevidence that access to medical care by prisone! rs is intentionally withheldfrom prisoners of conscience, and other prisoners that criticized the Cubangovernment. Amnesty International reports that suspected critics of thegovernment are being harassed with threats, eviction, loss of employment, andeven short-term incarceration. Even more disturbing is that these violationsare merely a fraction of the true number of human rights breaches that theCuban government is guilty of committing (“Amnesty International 2002Report”). But the human rights violations are not the only reason actionneeded to be taken towards Cuba.
economic growth comes from agriculture and exports to and from Europe. Since America has had an embargo on Cuba since 1962 neither countries trade with each other because of many disagreements about governing techniques and Fidel's unwillingness to comply with U.S. instructions. Cuba’s long history and culture has contributed to many economic and social growth through out the world, but Cuba is still struggling to try to stable their economy.
southeastern shoreline. Promptly around 1959, combating for many years. Castro gets to be distinctly ruler, his sibling, Raul, turns into his assistant. Fidel Castro dominated in regards to defeating the legislature of Cuban dictator. American sensitivity dissolved quit quick, Although, when Premier Castro started to act and sound like a communist dictator. He neglected to hold the free electoral polls, that he had guaranteed the Cuban citizens. He put to death several of his previous political competitors in nasty trials expected more as publication than as legal procedures. At that point he continued to fill Cuban prisons yet again with political commentators, including a large portion of Castro's previous acquaintances, against communist work pioneers, and other veteran opponents of the Batista administration. The press was strictly being watched. foreign claimed property was taken impulsively without reasonable pay, and maybe with no pay at all. only the communists came out unscathed from Castro's severe and vindictive
In the article, “Why Do We Still Have an Embargo of Cuba?” Patrick Haney explores the history of the embargo and the different factors which have maintained and tightened its restrictions over the past fifty years. The embargo consists of a ban on trade and commercial activity, a ban on travel, a policy on how Cuban exiles can enter the U.S., and media broadcasting to the island. These once-executive orders now codified into law by the Helms-Burton Act, have become a politically charged topic which wins and loses elections, spawned influential interest groups, and powerful political action committees.
Cuban culture possess many of the same things as many other cultures. From reading online and finding other sources, Cuban is also known for its production of sugarcane and how its attempt at slavery failed. The Cuban culture shares ways of communication such as newspapers. The three main newspapers are Granma, the Communist Party daily; Juventud Rebelde, the paper of the Communist Youth; and Trabajadores, published by the Cuban Federation of Workers. As with many cultures, The Cubans also have newspapers that focus on just local issues and they are the Tribuna de la Habana and Sierra Maestra in Santiago de Cuba. Magazines are also read. The weekly magazine, the Bohemia, covers all aspects of the news and is the oldest periodical in Cuba. The monthly Opina, is aimed at a younger audience, with information on available consumer goods. The Mujeres, is published by the Federation of Cuban Women. Many of these magazines, although intended for certain audiences, are shared by many readers. Cubans also have television stations and radio stations. Two television stations broadcast nationally, and there are several national radio networks and one international. These are administered by the Cuban Institute of Radio and Television. Programming generally includes news, sports, educational programs, and serials.
After analysing all of the source’s mentioned above, it is evident that all three authors have very diverse perspectives on the Cuban Revolution. Whilst it may seem to Source A’s audience that the author (Alistair Cooke) is simply trying to inform the American public of Castro’s leadership after examination, it seems as though they are trying to brainwash readers into rebelling against Castro. Thus, the Source is considered anti- Castro. Comparatively, in Source B, Herbert L. Matthews reports on an exclusive interview with Castro’s best lieutenants, Major Che Guevara to present the audience an anecdote which portrays a strong sense of patriotism, pride and authority which are all factors that present the audience with Matthews pro- Castro perspective. Additionally, Source C’s perspective is also in Castro’s favour as the Source is secondary and means that the author could see the context of the situation without being restricted by any element of bias. Meaning that, he was able to see all the events that occurred after Castro took over
The communist Political system adopted in 1952, remains in effect today. Under Cuba’s communist state every citizen has the right to participate in discussions of political, social, and economic issues, but that participation is constrained by the chain of command structure of society and government. The Cuban Communist Party (PCC) plays a key factor in the selection of everyone voted into the legislative bodies. Even though Cuba has legislative bodies, their decisions must meet the President needs for his approval. Since Raul Castro is currently President of the Republic, First Secretary of the Cuban Communist Party,
While watching the documentary “Cuba without Fidel” I noticed most of the points that were made were bashing the way the government was running Cuba, this country remains being the same communist country it was when Fidel Castro was in power with the difference that now his younger brother Raul Castro is in position. This film can be viewed as a form of propaganda with the sole purpose of letting people know how bad Cuba is without Fidel. Although the documentary is very informative I believe that it’s biased and it’s just trying to put forth their own position. I agree that Cuba without Fidel is a bad country but in my opinion is the same corrupt country that it was when he was in power.
Upon the rise to power, both forms of rule justified the creation of their atrocity environment due to their personal beliefs and belief of what would be most beneficial for their country. Both Latin American and Cuban authoritarian regimes, upon coming into power committed violent abuses of human rights. In Latin America, there were attacks and forced disappearances based on opposing politicians, activists, and even individuals who may appear to be part of the “other side”. People were even detained for expressing their opinion peacefully (Amnestyclass). During Castro’s regime, it was explicitly noted in history as a
Cuba and the restriction of Human rights within the country. In 1962, during the Cuban
Since a young age, I have felt a strong passion for human rights without even knowing it. As a child, I would ask myself, 'why isn't everyone just treated equally'. As I became older I started paying more attention to real human rights and security violations that are going on in the world today. One of the many that caught my attention was the Unites States embargo on Cuba. I learned that by keeping this embargo that Americans are causing the human rights violation in Cuba to increase. The reason this interested me so much was because as I studied this embargo I learned that one of the objectives of this embargo was to decrease the human rights and security issues in Cuba. Our country needs to lift this embargo in order to achieve this goal.
In the early 1900’s, Cuba was a stomping ground for many of the rich and famous from the United States. Many famous movies stars and wealthy business entrepreneurs spend their vacations there along with a substantial amount of money. Trade and commerce between the United States and Cuba flowed freely and abundantly. Even with the Dictatorship-like regime of Batista, the countries benefited from the economic trade between them. This was all about to come crashing down as revolts against Batista occurred and Fidel Castro came to power within Cuba.
Cuba is an island nation that was adopted in 1902. One third of it consists of mountains and rolling hills. It lies in the West Indies, and is said to be a beautiful island. Havana is Cuba’s capital, and the center of government for Cuba. Some important cities are Santiago de Cuba and Camagüey. Santiago de Cuba is near the south-eastern area of Cuba, and has a population of about half a million people. It’s considered the second most important city in Cuba, probably because it’s an important sea port. Camagüey is the fourth largest city in Cuba, according to Wikipedia. The symbol of Camagüey is a clay pot, mainly because there are clay pots everywhere. They can be very small, or very big. They’re used to capture rainwater to be