HAVANA.- The month of March has been the most turbulent month in Cuba due to a new outbreak of protests social issues, in the most recent report from the Cuban Observatory of Conflicts, 654 demonstrations were recorded by Cubans who took to the streets to demand freedom, food and electricity.
“The economic package implemented by the Cuban government this month generated deep discontent, in the face of disastrous measures that have done nothing but increase instability and rejection among the population,” said the Cuban Conflict Observatoryin his report.
The report also points to the economic crisis as the main reason for the protests that took place in the month of March. Cubans took to the streets to demand the increase in prices, partial dollarization and the devaluation of the Cuban peso.
“The Cuban population is facing increasing economic difficulties, which has generated frustration and hopelessness in the country’s economic future, exposed in another social outbreak that multiplied automatically, like the usual violent response of the state, a increasingly documented before international organizations” states the report
More repression in Cuba
Faced with civil outcry, the Cuban dictatorship once again reacted violently to the demonstrations, the OCC noted, a violation that was documented before international organizations, as in the complaint made in Geneva by activist Rosa María Payá to demand Cuba’s expulsion from the United Nations Human Rights Council.
“Payá denounced the systematic human rights violations in Cuba, including extrajudicial executions and imprisonment of opponents. He also mentioned the economic crisis and the lack of opportunities for Cubans. His speech was a call to the international community to support the Cuban people and take measures against the regime,” highlights the OCC report.
According to the report, 159 complaints related to repressive acts were registered in March, followed by 130 protests, for a total of 289 linked to political and civil rights.
The record includes 69 protests over deficient public services. The “constant blackouts, the lack of medicines and the very poor public health care”, as well as the shortage of drinking water and unhealthiness in urban areas.
There are also 365 demonstrations due to social discontent. “Citizens have expressed their frustration over the lack of visible police patrols and the perception of impunity for criminals. This situation raises the need to strengthen security mechanisms and guarantee a rapid and efficient response to crimes,” the report details.
Source: WRITING
