UN requests clarification from Cuba over allegations of labor slavery in medical missions abroad
Special Rapporteur of United Nations (UN) On contemporary forms of slavery, Tomoya Obokatareiterated its call to the Cuban state to respond to serious allegations of alleged human rights violations suffered by Cuban professionals in international missions.
In a communication dated November 2, 2023, the Special Rapporteur expressed concern about alleged abuses of fundamental rights such as privacy, freedom of expression and association, as well as freedom of movement of Cuban professionals on temporary work missions abroad.
The information received contradicts key aspects of the version provided by Cuba in previous communications. According to the letter, Cuban workers sent abroad, including doctors, teachers, artists and more, face exploitative working conditions.
In this sense, it is noted that since the average income in the host countries is lower, the salary will be insufficient to maintain a decent life. In addition, confiscation of passports and imposition of curfews, among other restrictions, have been reported.
The allegations also cover disturbing aspects such as harassment, sexual violence, threats and physical violence towards workers, which are usually perpetrated by employers and officials.
The offered contracts would introduce unfavorable clauses, including subjection to Cuban law even when working abroad, along with personal impositions, such as a ban on obtaining residency in destination countries.
The Office of the Special Rapporteur has reported to governments such as Spain, Italy and Qatar, as well as the company MSC. Malta Seafarers Company Limited for their alleged involvement in these violations. However, to date, none of those involved have responded to the UN’s concerns.
The complaints have generated strong reactions. Dita CharanzovaVice President European Parliament (EP)Highlighted the seriousness of the violation and the need for it Support the efforts of the UN and Prisoners’ Defenders (PD)..
Later the President of the Institute, Javier LarondoLamented the situation, saying that services and shows brought from Cuba to Europe involved professionals in conditions of forced labor and slavery.
The request marks the third time an official response has been required from Cuba. It is worth noting that the Cuban government has categorically denied these allegations and claims that it does not force workers to participate in medical cooperation missions.
However, the UN maintains that many of them do so under duress, exacerbated by the poverty and lack of jobs in Cuba.
A third UN communique singled out the Cuban regime for alleged “modern slavery”.
On November 2, 2023, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Slavery, including its causes and consequences, issued a third letter (reference: AL CUB 2/2023) addressed to the Cuban government demanding answers regarding alleged human rights abuses. Against Cuban professionals on internationalization missions.
In this communication, Obokata expressed concern about the violation of fundamental rights of Cuban professionals in missions abroad. The letter cited complaints of labor exploitation, inadequate pay, confiscation of passports, restrictions on movement, harassment, sexual violence and threats. Furthermore, he highlighted the existence of precarious working conditions for doctors, engineers, artists and others.
Moreover, the Cuban regime has faced accusations of sending significant sums of money abroad from these professionals, only a fraction of which is delivered to them. Withholding passports when leaving Cuba limits their freedom of movement, while non-compliance with international labor standards manifests itself in grueling days without proper compensation.
The Cuban Penal Code also highlighted an 8-year prison sentence for those who abandon their missions abroad, seriously affecting their families, a situation exacerbated by prolonged separation from their children.
The Cuban government’s response, sent in January 2020, denied the existence of pressure or retaliation against those who did not want to participate in the medical cooperation mission. However, current information suggests that many professionals will be under pressure, facing extreme poverty and limited sources of employment in Cuba.
Lack of response from the states involved worsens the situation
Despite having a 60-day period to respond, neither Cuba, Spain, Italy nor Qatar have provided any information in this regard to the UN, as confirmed by January 2, 2024.
According to the PD, the silence maintained by these countries is particularly disturbing, because, by not addressing these allegations, the alleged labor slavery situation that affects Cuban professionals working abroad could worsen.
On previous occasions, international pressure forced a late response from Cuba, which was probably dated before the expiration of the established deadline, raising doubts about the authenticity and veracity of the responses provided by this country.
On the other hand, the testimonies of Cubans in Spain who worked in conditions of slavery in various fields such as sports, technology and art are presented. Despite this, the Spanish government did not take effective measures to control these working conditions, which could be considered a contribution to the alleged state of slavery.
In Italy, the government of Calabria has ignored the warnings of prominent political figures, such as senators Giulio Terzi di Sant’Agatawho have publicly condemned the alleged slavery situation in the region.
The lack of response from these states to complaints of alleged labor and human rights violations is alarming. In this sense, the PD organization urged the governments of Cuba, Spain, Italy and Qatar to take immediate measures to address these allegations and guarantee decent working conditions for professionals involved in international missions.
