The deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation in Cuba
14.10.2020
Question for written answer E-005618/2020
to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Rule 138
David Lega (PPE), Leopoldo López Gil (PPE), Antonio López-Istúriz White (PPE), Michael Gahler (PPE)
The pandemic outbreak has had severe effects on an already dire situation in Cuba, resulting in one of the worst food shortages in 25 years. In addition, the necessary hygiene supplies are in short supply.
It has come to our knowledge that a large shipment of humanitarian aid collected by the Cuban exile community was illegally seized by the Cuban authorities upon its arrival in Cuba.
We reiterate that the EU-Cuba Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA) obliges the Cuban Government to uphold and improve human rights and the rule of law. The PDCA includes a provision for the agreement to be suspended in the event of a violation of the human rights provisions. We believe that recent events, adding to the long history of severe human rights violations, must be considered a ‘case of special urgency’, as set out in Article 85 of the agreement.
- 1.What contact has the VP/HR had with the Cuban Government regarding the barriers blocking humanitarian aid?
- 2.Does the VP/HR deem the Cuban Government to have fulfilled its obligations under the PDCA?
- 3.Does the VP/HR intend to call an urgent meeting, as provided for in Article 85 of the PDCA?