NORTH & SOUTH AMERICA
Photo courtesy of Haydee Marin, Coordinator of the ISHR Latin American Committee
The Latin American Committee of the International Society for Human Rights (ISHR) includes sections in Colombia, Guatemala, and Nicaragua, with additional sections based in Cuba and in the United States. Our volunteer human rights defenders on the ground monitor and report on current human rights violations occurring in their countries and also carry out a wide range of projects. These include support for indigenous education and peace building in prisons, among others.
To learn more about specific issue areas and our work in the Americas, see the updates below.
UPDATES
Cuba: German to serve 24 years in prison for filming protests with his smartphone
The dual national living in Germany was arrested on July 11, 2021 while on vacation in Cuba because he had filmed a protest with his smartphone. He is currently being held with serious criminals in the "Combinado del Este" prison. The public prosecutor's office accuses him of “inciting a riot” and demands 24 years in prison.
Declaration of ISHR Cuba
Dr. René Gomez Manzano, representative of ISHR Cuba, announces on behalf of ISHR and IGFM the support of the organization on behalf of the peaceful manifestations that have been scheduled to take place on November 15. 2021 in the island.
Cuba: between forced exile and defectors rejection
Laura Barreto-Navarro discusses how Cuban authorities use the nationality of its people as a political token, forcing critics into exile and harassing those who want to leave.
ISHR: Díaz-Canel, from show to show
Dr. René Gomez Manzano, representative of ISHR Cuba, spent several days unconscious after being diagnosed with COVID-19 and injected with an unknown substance under the care of the Cuban regime. He lost consciousness and suffered communication issues. The ISHR demands full clarification of the events.
Express proceedings against demonstrators
After the wave of protests in July 2021, the arrested demonstrators will now be sentenced despite court breaks established by the authorities. The defendants are not granted a lawyer to challenge the scant evidence. The judicial break is used to prevent appeals.
Interview with John Suarez, Executive Director Center for a Free Cuba
The International Society for Human Rights spoke with John Suárez, Executive Director of Center for a Free Cuba. He answered questions about the current protests and the socio-economic outbreak that the Cuban people live, as well as the repression and persecution of the Cuban regime against those who criticize it.