The Cuban government has continued to use oppressive measures to exert control over the population in a crackdown that has been ongoing since 2021. In 2024, CSW documented 624 separate cases involving attacks on freedom of religion or belief (FoRB), almost of all of which involved multiple types of FoRB violations. The total number of violations recorded was 1,898. 

The government continued its systematic violations of the Nelson Mandela Rules in regard to political prisoners in the form of the consistent refusal of religious visits or the right to receive religious materials. Religious leaders were threatened and pressured to expel the family members of political prisoners from their congregations as part of a policy of social isolation.  

Children were subjected to physical and verbal abuse at school because of their religious beliefs. Leaders of unregistered religious groups were repeatedly harassed and threatened, while leaders of registered religious groups were targeted with intrusive surveillance, repeat interrogations and other pressure tactics. CSW noted an uptick in the application of fines on religious leaders, generally for leading unauthorised religious activities, holding religious activities in locations not approved for religious use, or both.  

Religious groups of all types, including Afro-Cuban groups, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Protestants and Roman Catholics, registered and unregistered associations, including some that belong to the Cuban Council of Churches (CCC), all reported FoRB violations. The government appeared especially intent on targeting religious leaders and individuals who offered spiritual or material support to families of political prisoners.   

Religious leaders and their congregations who attempted to respond to humanitarian needs, which became even more acute in many parts of the island in 2024, were harassed and fined. In many cases, the aid they were attempting to distribute was confiscated. Those considered by the government to be dissidents were repeatedly and systematically blocked from attending religious services, usually through short-term arbitrary detention.   

Despite the efforts of the government to silence independent or critical voices, religious leaders from registered and unregistered groups alike continued to report and speak publicly about FoRB and other human rights violations and to be openly critical of legislation and government positions. The government has made it clear that it rejects the idea of any political or social reform.  

While some Cubans, no doubt, are more cautious and many have seen no other option than to go into exile, there remain many who, even in the face of threats, harassment and the possibility of imprisonment, continue to speak out against injustice and up for those in their communities who are suffering.  

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