Thanks to your support and taking action, this petition to expel Cuba from the UN Human Rights Council has amassed over 2,400 signatures. Please continue to share it with others.
Tomorrow in New York City the United Nations General Assembly Cuba, a dictatorship now holding over 1,000 political prisoners after 64 years in power, will seek another term on the UN Human Rights Council that will extend its existing tenure for another three years (2024 to 2026).
Copies of this petition to expel Cuba from the UN Human Rights Council, which is still available for signature, has been circulated with UN General Assembly members who will vote on Tuesday.
Please keep an eye out tomorrow on the voting.
There is competition in the Latin American group, with the communist dictatorship of Cuba running against the democracies of Brazil, Dominican Republic and Peru for three available seats. This was not the case last time. In October 2020 the Castro regime was elected unopposed to the UN Human Rights Council in a process where there were only three candidates for three spots.
On a related topic, we are also requesting that you take action.
Amnesty International has issued an urgent action for Cuban prisoner of conscience Maykel Castillo Pérez, also known as "Maykel Osorbo".
Below is the Amnesty International text:
CUBA: Urgent Action - Prisoner of Conscience Maykel Osorbo in Danger
Maykel Castillo Pérez, also known as "Maykel Osorbo" is a Cuban musician and prisoner of conscience who has faced constant harassment and arbitrary detentions. On May 18, 2021, state security agents arrested him at his home. In June 2022, he was sentenced to nine years in prison. Since April 2023, there are reports that indicate that he has been threatened by fellow inmates in his detention area, and the Cuban authorities have not ensured his safety.
PLEASE TAKE ACTION before 2 November 2023: Here is the full text of the Urgent Action https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/amr25/7078/2023/en/
WRITE AN APPEAL IN YOUR OWN WORDS OR USE THIS MODEL LETTER:
TO: Miguel Díaz-Canel, President of Cuba
Hidalgo Esq. 6, Plaza de La Revolución, CP 10400, La Habana, Cuba
Email: despacho@presidencia.gob.cu
Dear President, I am writing to bring attention to the case of the musician Maykel Castillo Pérez, who has been subjected to unjust detention, harassment and violent threats while in prison.
According to information received by Amnesty International, Maykel has resorted to extreme measures, such as sewing his mouth shut, as a form of protest against the violent threats by fellow inmates and security officers in the prison since April 2023.
His family informed Amnesty International that Maykel's current health status is a significant concern. He suffers from swollen lymph nodes, and unfortunately, the prison authorities have not provided transparent and trustworthy medical diagnoses, adding to the uncertainty and fear surrounding his wellbeing.
Amnesty International sent an open letter to your office on May 18, 2023, highlighting the threats Maykel had received and asking for his immediate release. Regrettably, as of now, no response has been received regarding this matter.
Maykel Castillo Pérez is a prisoner of conscience, imprisoned solely for exercising his rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. I strongly urge you to take immediate action and order the unconditional release of Maykel Castillo Pérez. Furthermore, I ask you to protect Maykel from the harassment and threats he is receiving in prison.
Sincerely,
Copies to:
Mrs Barbara Elena Montalvo Alvarez
Embassy of the Republic of Cuba
167 High Holborn WC1V 6PA
secembajador@uk.embacuba.cu
https://www.amnesty.org.uk/groups/reading/cuba-urgent-action