alena doohanThe UN Special Rapporteur “began her visit to Cuba on November 11 to assess the impact of unilateral sanctions and their excessive compliance.” human rights» As announced, in the Caribbean country … on his social network account X on October 8th.
On the island, they were received by Vice Prime Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossio, and at the Congress headquarters they exchanged views with Ana María Mari Machado, Vice President of the People’s Power National Assembly.
“That day, experts learned about the legal framework that constitutes the lockdown and the current US administration’s escalation measures. Impact on the banking and financial sector. She was also informed about the impact on regulated family baskets, domestic trade and the food industry,” official media outlet Canal Caribe reported.
I formally announce that I will be visiting Cuba from November 11 to 21 to assess the human rights impact of unilateral sanctions and overcompliance in Cuba. All contributions are welcomed and treated as confidential. https://t.co/8ZY30lAne1
— Alena Douhan (@AlenaDouhan) October 8, 2025
Doukhan, a Belarusian academic who has been in this role since 2020, also met with Education Minister Naima Trujillo Barreto, who “reported on efforts to guarantee access to a quality, universal and free education system at all levels without discrimination,” the same government news portal detailed.
visit Extended until November 21st next year And, as reported by Office of the High Commission (OHCHR)the experts will “present their conclusions and recommendations in a report, which will be submitted to the 63rd session.” human rights council In September 2026.
The rapporteur will examine “the extent to which the adoption, maintenance and application of unilateral sanctions, the means of their enforcement and over-compliance hinder the full realization of the rights” enshrined in the Universal Declaration and other instruments. “In a spirit of cooperation and dialogue”according to the official announcement.
“Doohan plans to hold exchanges with various sectors of the economy, politics and society in order to assess how the US economic blockade hinders the human rights of the people. This is his second visit to Japan, and in 2023 he participated in an academic event at the University of Havana,” added information from Cuba’s official TV.
Meanwhile, the United Nations calls for authorities, UN bodies, international organizations, regional organizations, diplomatic missions and “Non-governmental organizations, business community, civil society, academics”.
However, the visit will take place in an environment controlled by the regime and with access to independent civil society cut off. An independent civil society could dismantle the official propaganda that blames the embargo for all the country’s problems. They will expose the Cuban dictatorship As the person most responsible for both the grave crisis and the constant human rights violations.
International human rights organizations such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have documented continued persecution of political opponents in the country. Harassment of freedom of expression As well as the presence of a large number of prisoners for political reasons.
Until now, the reporter has I have never met any non-state actors or victims of violations. Protection of the human rights of activists, independent journalists, political prisoners and their families, etc.
Cuba does not maintain “Permanent Invitation” to Special Proceedings of the United Nations Council – a common collaborative practice in other states – and has historically had limited connection with thematic visits.
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