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PRESS RELEASE
Nš 30/05
INTER-AMERICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN
RIGHTS EXPRESSES
The Inter-American Commission de Human rights (IACHR) is concerned about the continued detention in Cuba of several political dissidents who were arrested during peaceful demonstrations to demand release of political prisoners on July 13 and 22, 2005.
On many occasions the IACHR has strongly protested the lack of political rights and the repression suffered by government opponents. The Commission is especially concerned that freedom of expression, freedom of association and the right of peaceful assembly are severely restricted.
According to information received by the IACHR, several dissidents are still detained and could be tried under the Law for Protection of the National Independence and Economy of Cuba (Law 88). As the Commission has repeatedly stated, said law is contrary to the rights recognized in the American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man.
The IACHR is a principal organ of the Organization of American States (OAS) whose mandate is to promote and protect respect for human rights in the hemisphere, and whose authority emanates from the OAS Charter, among other sources. Resolution VI of the Eighth Meeting of Consultation in 1962 excluded the Government of Cuba, but not the State, from participation in the OAS. The Commission continues monitoring the status of human rights in Cuba. The Cuban State has the international obligation to respect and guarantee the rights contained in the American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man.
Washington, D.C., July 29, 2005 |
