A cross-denominational group of Cuban church leaders issued a public declaration calling for reform following a gathering that took place on 8 November in the province of Santiago de Cuba. The group, the Alliance of Christians of Cuba (ACC), is comprised of approximately 50 leaders of registered and unregistered religious denominations and networks as well as leaders of independent churches on the island.
The Santiago de Cuba Declaration includes specific calls for the release of political prisoners, increased respect for basic human rights, and protection of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB). ‘We ask the authorities of the Cuban nation: for the liberation of all those imprisoned for exercising their inherent rights. That each religious movement on the island might exercise its right to associate, obtaining legal status and protection under the law. That they respect the right of each Cuban citizen to exercise all their inherent rights and that they do not persecute them for this.’
The Santiago de Cuba gathering was the third time the ACC has gathered since its formation last year. A CSW source shared that one of the ACC’s key areas of focus is on ‘the importance of knowing and practicing the inherent rights of human beings, especially freedom of expression, association, and belief.’
CSW monitors and records documented FoRB cases, reported by individuals on the island, and has noted that the number of reported violations continues to increase in comparison to previous years with religious leaders from both registered and unregistered groups regularly harassed and threatened by government officers, mostly members of the Department of State Security (DSE) and the National Revolutionary Police.
CSW’s Head of Advocacy Anna Lee Stangl said: ‘CSW stands with the Alliance of Christians of Cuba in their call for real reforms to protect and uphold freedom of religion or belief and associated rights and for the release of all political prisoners. We commend their courage in coming together, despite ongoing government harassment and threats, and publishing this declaration. CSW urges the Cuban government to make the changes that have been called for and we urge the international community to closely monitor and engage with religious leaders, including from the ACC, in their efforts to promote democratic values and respect for fundamental human rights.’
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