Broad social inclusion, respect for women’s rights and rejection of racism and other discriminatory practices marked the debates in Cuba on International Human Rights Day, according to press reports today.
In this context, the Federation of Cuban Women (FMC) defended the day before, its guarantees for the exercise of Human Rights in the Caribbean island for this sector of the population. Protecting, respecting and guaranteeing women’s human rights is a priority for this organisation. This was confirmed by the head of the FMC, Teresa Amarelle, in a debate with part of its membership, which evaluated how to make access to the opportunities and guarantees enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic more effective.
In a statement issued yesterday, they advocated the promotion of policies and programmes for the advancement of women in Cuban society, which reject any form of violence, and ensure equity and social justice with access to health and education.
The island’s women also acknowledged progress in decision-making and respect for their sexual and reproductive rights.
The FMC works, they said, for a more just, inclusive society that defends peace and human dignity.
Meanwhile, at the University of Havana, a panel was held on the social inclusion of members of the National Association of the Blind, the Association of the Deaf, the Association of Persons with Physical and Motor Disabilities, and the Association of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities.
The event, attended by representatives of UN agencies in Cuba, discussed social inclusion, accessibility and public policies.
In this field, they highlighted concrete advances, but pointed out challenges such as the need to enact a law for the comprehensive protection of the rights of persons with disabilities.
Prior to the event, a forum on confronting racism and racial discrimination, sponsored by the Cuban Association of the United Nations (ACNU), was held.
Participants discussed challenges in this area, respect for African heritage and cultural diversity, public policies, the role of the media and social networks in the eradication of racial stereotypes.
Civil society in Cuba celebrated International Human Rights Day with advances in this field, 76 years after the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The capital’s Pabellón Cuba was the epicentre of the debates of activists from social organisations on the island, which promote and protect Human Rights for all without elite privileges.
Despite the tough economic scenario and the pressures of the US government and its blockade policy, the country is strengthening its legal framework and guaranteeing the full exercise of these essential principles, it was reported.
