What’s Happening in Cuba?
After six decades, Cuba saw its largest nation-wide protest on Sunday. This has resulted in 1 death and 140 arrested or missing.
Why are citizens protesting?
Citizens are protesting against the government's communist regime. Due to their mishandling of the country’s food, medicine and covid cases, citizens have been placed in deteriorating circumstances.
It has been reported that Cubans must wait hours for basic necessities such as food and medicine whilst the island has been hit by electric outages.
How has the government responded?
The President, Mr Diáz Canel has urged supporters of the regime to “take back the streets”, leading to attacks against protestors.
Moreover, authorities cut off most communications with the outside world, including social media platforms and internet services. Security has also been deployed over the country. In Havana, Communist Party militants were armed with heavy sticks.
Response from the United States and BLM
President Biden has voiced out his support for the protestors, claiming that it is a call for freedom and relief.
On the other hand, BLM put out the statement: “The people of Cuba are being punished by the U.S. government because the country has maintained its commitment to sovereignty and self-determination,” which refers U.S embargo restrictions reimposed by the Trump Administration.
What can you do?
Regardless of The United States and Cuba' relationship, citizens are being denied basic human rights to food, medicine, freedom, and safe living conditions. To help, you can:
Raise awareness about the declining conditions Cuban citizens face. Support by sharing posts and information as Cuba’s global communications have been cut off.
Here are some petitions you can sign to support protestors and encourage the U.S to end the trade embargo:
https://www.change.org/p/united-nations-freedom-and-help-to-the-people-living-in-cuba?redirect=false
Sources:
Wall Street Journal
BBC News
The Guardian
Written by JoYii Phnom Penh, Cambodia
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