- Through the review and analysis of content published in the press, as well as complaints on social media and the cases we advise on and follow from our organization, Cubalex has prepared a summary of the human rights situation in Cuba during the first days of the year
Economic, social and cultural rights
- Impact of economic measures
The Cuban population in general, and especially vulnerable social groups, are beginning to feel the effects of the economic measures and monetary reform announced by the government in December 2020, under the official title of Tarea Ordenamiento (Ordering Task).
On January 5, 2021, an increase in the prices of meals at soup kitchens was reported on social media. According to the independent media outlet CiberCuba, The cost rose from $1 (one peso) to $13. The Cuban Ministry of Domestic Trade (MINCIN) He reported it on social media that menu prices in the Family Care System range between 8.00 CUP and 13.00 CUP. During the broadcast of the television program Round Table on January 4th, The head of MINCIN, Betsy Díaz Velázquez, detailed that 77,661 people were registered to join the SAF. Of these, 36,298 are retirees, 6,251 have disabilities, and 12,773 receive social assistance.
On January 4, 2021, the government from Havana It capped food prices. It also “reduce” prices Newly increased prices at Coppelia, Expocuba, Lenin Park, and Cocos Island. On the 5th, a increase in transport prices local and interprovincial. On the 10th, they were received reports of long queues to buy subsidized bread in Havana.
January 5, 2021 Etecsa announced which would extend until January 31st the benefits implemented due to the Covid-19 pandemic, including a 10% discount on payments made through Transfermóvil and free access to two educational websites and Covid-related applications. It also announced a permanent 50% discount on voice and data services over the mobile network, from 1:00 AM to 6:00 AM. This would be an example of best practices amidst the current circumstances.
On January 10, 2021, the social networks They reported that the pharmacy of Cira García Hospital, The company, which specializes in medical tourism in Cuba, only accepted Visa or MasterCard bank cards for the purchase of medications, excluding the Cuban MLC bank card. This measure prevents the acquisition of domestically manufactured medications that are in short supply at public health system pharmacies.
On January 10, 2021, the Director of Finance and Prices in the capital He said that any price that increases 2.5 times among self-employed workers (TCP) is considered abusive and speculative.
- Freedom of employment, forced labor, and modern forms of slavery
On January 6, 2021, José Miguel Vivanco, director of the Americas Division of Human Rights Watch, reacted on Twitter to the statements of a Panamanian government official Regarding the hiring of Cuban healthcare personnel, he argued that the Central American state has an obligation to guarantee the human rights of those within Panamanian territory. “Your government cannot disregard the human rights of Cuban doctors,” he stated.
- Adequate housing, basic services and human settlements
January 7, 2021 It was reported on social media A partial collapse occurred in a ward of the Calixto García Hospital in Havana. According to a tweet showing a photo of part of the collapsed ceiling, it fell on a patient. Cubalex has not yet been able to confirm this information.
II- Epidemiological situation
Coronavirus cases increased in the first 10 days of January. On January 3, 2021, were reported 316 confirmed cases in one day. On January 6, several leaders of Santiago de Cuba They are confirmed as positive cases of the virus. On the 8th The number of confirmed cases in one day rose 344, of whom 275 were native. On the 10th the figure rose 388 and the autochthonous cases 353.
- Several provinces are regressing in the recovery phases
On January 4, 2021, they reported the back to phase 3 of recovery For the provinces of Matanzas and Villa Clara. Havana, Cienfuegos, and Santiago de Cuba also remain in this phase. On the 5th They decreed a quarantine in the Santa Bárbara neighborhood of Santiago de Cuba.
On January 9, 2021, Havana retreated to phase 1 of the recovery stage and the adoption of restrictive measures was determined at the Provincial Defense Council (CDP) epidemic follow-up meeting.
- Restrictive measures
On January 4, 2020, the Municipal Defense Council of Alquízar, in the province of Artemisa, enabled three control points for limit access to the municipality due to the coronavirus outbreak.
On January 8, 2021, the Provincial Defense Council of Havana reinstated restrictive measures These measures include decentralizing product sales points, reducing public activities, maintaining restrictions on bars, restaurants, and private parties, regulating family access to the airport, prohibiting visits to hospitals, and requiring that the same person accompany the patient throughout their stay. They decree to close access In interprovincial transport, no lingering in public places after 7:00 p.m., private parties are prohibited, bars, cinemas, theaters, swimming pools are closed, and non-urgent hospital services are reduced to 50%.
January 9, 2021 Interprovincial travel was suspended by bus, three and by sea to and from various provinces of the country.
On January 10, 2021, the Provincial Defense Council of Santiago de Cuba puts into effect restrictive measures These measures included establishing a curfew between 7:00 pm and 5:00 am. Interprovincial transportation, recreational activities, and private parties were suspended. Homeless people were placed in shelters, and hospital admissions decreased.
- Application of administrative sanctioning law
On January 8, 2021 reported on social media the imposition of a fine on a woman who lowered her face mask to eat in a restaurant. The following day the Cuban government announced that it would begin to“implement forcefully”Decree 14/2020, which establishes high fines for non-compliance with health measures. On January 10, 2021, the Provincial Defense Council of Santiago de Cuba He ordered the application of severe administrative measures and legal sanctions. in response to the act of violating the instructions.