Cuba's Human Strides
One of the features of power is its ability to define reality. This tendency is most clearly discernible when a dominant perspective claims the status of a “self-evident truth”, even when concrete reality stands in stark denial of the so-called “truth”. A clear example of this can be seen in the ability of the US – one of the most racist countries in the world today – to not only promote itself as a champion of “human rights”, but also to simultaneously preside as judge and jury over countries such as Cuba, whose human and social development achievements far surpass that of the US.
Given the fact that December 10th was celebrated as International Human Rights Day, and this coincided very closely with the global celebrations of the life of Cuba’s deceased former President Fidel Castro, it is appropriate to use this article to extend the ongoing tributes, by focusing specifically on Castro’s legacy in advancing human rights. This is also important, since now that he has died, and everyone is now a friend, supporter and admirer, Castro’s real and true contribution (as in the case of Mandela) is at risk of being lost as a result of “popular dilution”. The true and real record becomes doubly critical is such a context.
Cuba’s achievements in the field of human rights and human development are phenomenal. This should not be surprising given the fact that Cuba’s socialist orientation has made human advancement a sine qua non of development, rather than private capital accumulation.
Official Cuban sources indicate that in addition to the well-known achievements in the areas of health and education, Cuba’s record include a “massive and free development of culture, sport and food; protection of children, the elderly and disabled; religious freedom; treatment of prisoners, gender equality and the empowerment of women”.
As a country, Cuba has fulfilled the Millennium Development Goals, and has earned global recognition for its achievement on human rights by twice being elected to the UN Human Rights Council since its formation in 2006, and Cuba’s programs and achievements have been singled out for mention in two of the Periodic Reviews of the Council.
Among the specific highlights of Cuba’s social and specific achievements are: for nine consecutive years Cuba’s infant mortality has been below five per thousand live births; Cuba’s children receive full access to culture education and health; Cuba ranks fourteenth in the Education for All Development Index; Cuba has the highest number of doctors in the world, one for every 120 people. In the area of sports Cuba is renowned for having over 11,000 sporting facilities and has had the owner of being the fifth best performer in a past Olympiad.
Above all, there is no record of a summary execution or a “disappeared” in Cuba.
Can those who criticise Cuba match her achievements?
CNIDOH/AO
