In November 2023, the Cuban state will be evaluated on its human rights record as part of the fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). In the lead-up to the UPR, local and international civil society will participate in the UPR Pre-session, an event that consists of a panel of representatives from civil society organisations, specialized in a broad range of subjects. The panel provides an all-encompassing perspective to the international community concerning the unique problems present in the country under evaluation. 

To further address the deterioration of free expression and complement the themes highlighted during the official pre-session, PEN International, Artists at Risk Connection, Race & Equality, Civil Rights Defenders, and other organisations will host a side event during the pre-session week for Cuba in Geneva. Civil society representatives and members of the InterAmerican and international human rights communities will participate in the side event, promoting discussion among various actors on the evolution of civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights in Cuba since the last Universal Periodic Review.

The event will be in Spanish, with English interpretation.

Event schedule

Welcome and opening remarks

• Alicia Quiñones, PEN International

The state of minorities in Cuba

• Laritza Diversent, Cubalex

Labor and union rights

• Yaxys Cires Dib, Observatorio Cubano de Derechos Humanos

What is the state of free expression in Cuba, 5 years after the last UPR?

• Claudia Ordoñez, ARTICLE 19

The status of journalists in Cuba

• Mario Luis Reyes, Independent journalist

Artistic freedom

• Nonardo Perea, Independent artist

From the perspective of the InterAmerican system: What is the current state of human rights in Cuba, five years after the last UPR?

• Livia Lemos, IACHR

Closing remarks