Contribution to the Fourth Cycle of the Universal Periodic Review on Cuba

This report is a contribution submitted by a coalition of organizations represented by PEN International. It was written and edited by Artists At Risk Connection (ARC) – PEN America, ARTICLE 19 Office for Mexico and Central America, Centro para la Apertura y el Desarrollo de América Latina – CADAL, Civil Rights Defenders, Instituto de Artivismo Hannah Arendt – INSTAR, Movimiento San Isidro, Cubalex, Justicia 11J, Instituto Cubano por la Libertad de Expresión y Prensa – ICLEP, FREEMUSE, and PEN International.

Recommendations for Addressing the Deteriorating Climate for Freedom Of Expression and Artistic Freedom In Cuba

● Immediately eliminate the repressive practices that force journalists, artists, writers, cultural professionals, and human rights defenders into exile and guarantee their safe return.

● Repeal Decree 349/2018, Decree-Law No. 370/2018 and Resolution 105/2021, Decree-Law No. 35/2021, and Decree No. 42/2021, as well as reform the current Penal Code, abrogating the crimes of “propaganda against the constitutional order, resistance, contempt, attack, and public disorder.”

● Ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).

● Release persons imprisoned and arbitrarily detained for exercising their freedom of expression.

● Accept invitations from Special Procedures and extend invitations to UN Special Rapporteurs, in particular in the field of freedom of expression, cultural rights, and judicial independence.