Cuba

In 2018, we focused on supporting independent activities in Cuba, which, despite its beautiful nature and friendly inhabitants, faced serious social challenges. Strong repression of free speech persisted on the island, and independent journalists, human rights activists and civic leaders faced intense pressure and repression from the government. Our efforts have been to ensure that independent information reaches the population and that the necessary assistance is available to them in times of emergency.

We have supported the work of independent journalists, academics, students, farmers, librarians and lawyers, enabling them to continue their activities in difficult circumstances. In 2018, we contributed to enabling our partner organisations in Cuba to publish independent articles, educate the population, and organise events, workshops and debates on issues not supported by the current regime.

In Slovakia, we welcomed a group of representatives of the partner centres, where they had the opportunity to freely discuss the challenges and problems they encountered in Cuba. They gained new skills and ideas for the development of civil society and the democratisation of their country. At the same time, we tried to raise awareness among the Slovak public about the situation in Cuba in order to encourage broader support for the efforts for freedom and democracy there.