Cuba’s Communist Party has embraced “social rights” and freer speech, with current human rights crackdowns happening only because of the COVID-19 pandemic, say Canadian diplomats..Blacklock’s Reporter said the briefing note was prepared by diplomats before mass arrests and Internet censorship by Cuban authorities..“Under President Diaz-Canel, there has been some modest improvements in freedom of movement and expression until the impacts of COVID began to raise tensions in the country, and saw authorities begin to crack down on public dissent,” wrote the Department of Foreign Affairs..“Canada recognizes Cuba’s strong commitment to economic and social rights, particularly in the areas of education and health.”.The note is dated March 19, four months before peaceful demonstrations in Cuba prompted mass arrests in what Amnesty International called a violation of human rights law..“Cuban authorities have used the criminal law to imprison and silence alternative voices in the country for decades,” Amnesty wrote in a July 14 bulletin..“Along with arbitrary dismissals from state employment as a tactic to strip people of their livelihood, this has created a profound climate of fear in Cuba for decades.”.The briefing note was written by staff for Foreign Minister Marc Garneau, prompted by Cuban plans for an April congress of the ruling Communist Party..“Canada and Cuba maintain strong diplomatic relations,” wrote staff..“We hope to advance regional collaboration and enhance trade and investment ties.”.Subsequent detention of dissidents and cuts to Cubans’ Internet access – “This is not the first time,” wrote Amnesty International – prompted Garneau’s department to issue a July 12 travel advisory recommending Canadians in Cuba avoid street protests..“Don’t participate in demonstrations,” said the advisory..“Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place. Follow the instructions of local authorities. Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations.”.Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last visited Cuba in 2016, just days prior to the death of longtime dictator Fidel Castro. Trudeau at the time expressed “deep sorrow” over Castro’s death..“Fidel Castro was a larger than life leader who served his people for almost half a century,” Trudeau said in statement..“A legendary revolutionary and orator, Mr. Castro made significant improvements to the education and health care of his island nation..“While a controversial figure, both Mr. Castro’s supporters and detractors recognized his tremendous dedication and love for the Cuban people who had a deep and lasting affection for ‘el Comandante,’.“I know my father was very proud to call him a friend and I had the opportunity to meet Fidel when my father passed away. It was also a real honour to meet his three sons.”.Dave Naylor is the News Editor of the Western Standard.,dnaylor@westernstandardonline.com,.Twitter.com/nobby7694
Cuba’s Communist Party has embraced “social rights” and freer speech, with current human rights crackdowns happening only because of the COVID-19 pandemic, say Canadian diplomats..Blacklock’s Reporter said the briefing note was prepared by diplomats before mass arrests and Internet censorship by Cuban authorities..“Under President Diaz-Canel, there has been some modest improvements in freedom of movement and expression until the impacts of COVID began to raise tensions in the country, and saw authorities begin to crack down on public dissent,” wrote the Department of Foreign Affairs..“Canada recognizes Cuba’s strong commitment to economic and social rights, particularly in the areas of education and health.”.The note is dated March 19, four months before peaceful demonstrations in Cuba prompted mass arrests in what Amnesty International called a violation of human rights law..“Cuban authorities have used the criminal law to imprison and silence alternative voices in the country for decades,” Amnesty wrote in a July 14 bulletin..“Along with arbitrary dismissals from state employment as a tactic to strip people of their livelihood, this has created a profound climate of fear in Cuba for decades.”.The briefing note was written by staff for Foreign Minister Marc Garneau, prompted by Cuban plans for an April congress of the ruling Communist Party..“Canada and Cuba maintain strong diplomatic relations,” wrote staff..“We hope to advance regional collaboration and enhance trade and investment ties.”.Subsequent detention of dissidents and cuts to Cubans’ Internet access – “This is not the first time,” wrote Amnesty International – prompted Garneau’s department to issue a July 12 travel advisory recommending Canadians in Cuba avoid street protests..“Don’t participate in demonstrations,” said the advisory..“Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place. Follow the instructions of local authorities. Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations.”.Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last visited Cuba in 2016, just days prior to the death of longtime dictator Fidel Castro. Trudeau at the time expressed “deep sorrow” over Castro’s death..“Fidel Castro was a larger than life leader who served his people for almost half a century,” Trudeau said in statement..“A legendary revolutionary and orator, Mr. Castro made significant improvements to the education and health care of his island nation..“While a controversial figure, both Mr. Castro’s supporters and detractors recognized his tremendous dedication and love for the Cuban people who had a deep and lasting affection for ‘el Comandante,’.“I know my father was very proud to call him a friend and I had the opportunity to meet Fidel when my father passed away. It was also a real honour to meet his three sons.”.Dave Naylor is the News Editor of the Western Standard.,dnaylor@westernstandardonline.com,.Twitter.com/nobby7694
