UK Report on Civil and Political Rights in Cuba

HAVANA TIMES, May 4 — Cuba is mentioned among those countries that continue to violate human rights, according to the 388-page Human Rights and Democracy Report released in London earlier this week by the UK’s minister of Foreign Affairs, William Hague.

According to the EFE news agency, the report notes that the island’s authorities continue to “silence dissent and deny basic civil and political rights,” restrict media freedom and internet access, and maintain a lack of judicial independence.

The assessment reflects some improvement on the island, including the release of prisoners of conscience and progress with religious freedom; recognition of the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people; and efforts by the Raul Castro government to eradicate corruption.

In the report drawn up annually by the Foreign Office to “Promote British Values,” another 26 states are identified as having violated fundamental rights.