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Cuba Signs Human Rights Pacts at UN

But critics say the nation's dissidents must be released

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 29, 2008 8:22 AM CST

(Newser) – Cuba yesterday signed a pair of legally binding human rights agreements, promising, among other things, to allow its citizens free speech, free association, and the right to travel, the BBC reports. Coming mere days after Raul Castro became president, the gesture could signal a shift in Cuba’s policy, though Cuba insists it is only “formalizing” rights Cubans have long held.

Until recently, Cuba rejected the UN Human Rights Commission as US-biased, but now it has opened itself up for a 2009 inspection from its recently established replacement, the UN Human Rights Council. The two pacts, which Cuba agreed to sign in December, guarantee civil, political, social, and economic rights. But critics say the pacts will mean little unless Cuba releases its political prisoners.

Oscar Espinosa Chepe, an independent writer and former political prisoner, talks with the Associated Press in Havana, Thursday, Feb. 28, 2008. Cuba's Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque signed two key... (Associated Press)

Cuban Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque, left, gestures as he speaks during a press conference at UN headquarters in New York, Thursday, Feb. 28, 2008. Representing Cuba, Perez Roque signed the International... (Associated Press)

Cuban Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque gestures as he speaks during a press conference at UN headquarters Thursday, Feb. 28, 2008. Representing Cuba, Perez Roque signed the International Covenant... (Associated Press)

Fidel Castro's younger brother Raul Castro, left, speaks after being elected President of Cuba's supreme governing body, the Council of State, by the new National Assembly in Havana, Sunday, Feb. 24,... (Associated Press)

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Cuba Signs Human Rights Pacts at UN

But critics say the nation's dissidents must be released

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Watchdog: Raúl Just as Bad as Fidel

He shares his brother's disregard for human rights

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Washington 'disappointed' by decision

Cuba to Free 2,900 Prisoners

But American Alan Gross not among those to be released

As Cuba Opens Up, Castro Hits Corruption

Free market reforms require crackdown, say Cuba officials

Poor Cubans Eye Gold Rush as Car Market Opens

Waiter earning $15 a month can sell 30-year-old Moskvich for $5K

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But critics say the nation's dissidents must be released

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

United Nations • human rights • Cuba • Raul Castro • UN Commission on Human Rights • UN Human Rights Council

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Watchdog: Raúl Just as Bad as Fidel

He shares his brother's disregard for human rights

Europe Votes to Lift Cuba Sanctions

Washington 'disappointed' by decision

Cuba to Free 2,900 Prisoners

But American Alan Gross not among those to be released

As Cuba Opens Up, Castro Hits Corruption

Free market reforms require crackdown, say Cuba officials

Poor Cubans Eye Gold Rush as Car Market Opens

Waiter earning $15 a month can sell 30-year-old Moskvich for $5K

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Newser By Users

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