Christian Solidarity Worldwide is calling for human rights to be at the forefront of the new relationship between the European Union (EU) and Cuba, as a new Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement is signed today by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini, EU foreign ministers, and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla.

This agreement, which was signed by the European Council on 6 December, will provide a new legal framework for relations between the EU and Cuba and replace the ‘Common Position 96’ which has guided EU-Cuba relations for the last ten years.

After the agreement was signed by the European Council, Federica Mogherini stated: "We are truly at a turning point in the relations between the EU and Cuba. Together, we are moving towards a closer and more constructive partnership.’’

Although human rights are raised in the new agreement, CSW is calling for these rights to be mainstreamed across all areas of EU policy towards Cuba.

CSW’s research reveals ongoing human rights violations on the island, including serious violations of freedom of religion and belief (FoRB) affecting a wide cross-section of Christian groups. FoRB violations are predominantly carried out by Cuban government officials and the Office of Religious Affairs (the ORA), the arm of the Cuban Communist Party which oversees religious affairs, and take place in many regions throughout the island. They include the demolition and confiscation of church buildings, the destruction of church property, arbitrary detention and various other forms of harassment.

CSW’s Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas said, “Contrary to the hopes of many that the Cuban government’s loosening of economic restrictions would lead to more freedom in Cuba, the continuation of serious FoRB violations is a clear indication that the Cuban government has no intention of loosening its restrictions on religious groups on the island. In light of this, CSW strongly urges the EU to keep human rights at the forefront of all EU-Cuba relations and for the EU to raise FoRB violations regularly in all its dialogues with the Cuban authorities, including with the head of the Office of Religious Affairs. CSW also calls on the EU Delegation in Havana, those working to strengthen bilateral cooperation, and member states’ embassies, to proactively promote and defend the right to freedom of religion or belief, by seeking new ways to support and strengthen vulnerable groups inside Cuba in line with existing EU human rights commitments.”