According to Foreign Minister Tsahkna, human rights violations in Cuba continue and are worsening. These include the imprisonment of participants in peaceful demonstrations, a growing number of political prisoners, and the systematic restriction of freedom of expression, assembly and association. The increasingly severe humanitarian situation in the country is also a cause for concern.
“The Cuban regime does not respect the fundamental rights of its citizens and has shown no willingness whatsoever to embrace change,” Tsahkna said. “For this reason, Estonia considers it important to strengthen engagement with Cuba’s democratic opposition in order to demonstrate support for those who are standing up for human rights, political freedoms and democracy in Cuba.”
Tsahkna noted that Estonia has its own experience of freeing itself from the oppression of a communist regime and therefore supports the Cuban people’s right to a free and democratic future.
The meeting also addressed Cuba’s support for Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. According to Tsahkna, Cuba’s continued endorsement of Kremlin war narratives and its increasingly close cooperation with Russia and Belarus are among the reasons why Estonia has called on the European Union to reassess its policy towards Cuba.
“The Cuban regime openly supports Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and has shown no willingness to change course. In its relations with third countries, the European Union must also take into account their attitude towards international law and Russia’s aggression,” said Tsahkna.
According to the Foreign Minister, Cuba urgently needs extensive political and economic reforms in order to alleviate the suffering of its people.
“We expect the human rights situation in Cuba to improve, political prisoners to be released, and Cuba to end its support for Russia’s war of aggression. Estonia is ready to share its reform experience, including knowledge on building democratic institutions, a free-market economy and a digital state,” said Tsahkna.
