GENEVA (EFE).— The sexual exploitation and prostitution in Cuba increased due to poverty and hunger, exacerbated by trade restrictions and sanctions, warned the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, who asked the Cuban authorities to do more to combat this situation.
Although Cuba launched a plan to combat human trafficking for 2022-2024, the lack of complementary laws “gives impunity to the perpetrators” since, for example, adolescents over 16 years of age are not protectedThe committee said yesterday in its ninth review of the situation in Cuba, which covers the period 2013-2024.
In its report, the United Nations committee also sees insufficient aid to the victims of this exploitation or efforts to combat prostitution of women and girls in tourist areas.
Afro-Cuban women and those who live in poor environments and rural areas, she emphasizes, are especially vulnerable to this type of exploitation.
UN alert on increase in sex trafficking in Cuba
The document adds that the impact of United States sanctions, worsened by measures such as the new inclusion in 2021 of Cuba on its list of countries that sponsor terrorismhave contributed to the shortage of food, medicine, fuel and other basic goods, something that “disproportionately impacts women and girls.”
The deterioration of the Cuban economy has contributed to protests that have been responded to “in an extreme manner” by the authorities, recalled the committee, which reported threats, attacks, gender violence, stigmatization, harassment and intimidation of women who participated in these demonstrations of discontent, particularly important in 2021.
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There has also been this type of abuses against human rights defenders, women journalists and others who advocate for the rights of lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex women, said the report of the committee, made up of 23 UN experts.
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**Interview with Maria Gonzalez, Human Rights Advocate and UN Consultant**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Maria. The recent report from the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women highlights a troubling rise in sexual exploitation and prostitution in Cuba. Could you summarize what the committee found?
**Maria Gonzalez**: Thank you for having me. The UN committee’s report indicates that poverty and hunger, largely driven by trade restrictions and sanctions, have significantly increased the incidences of sexual exploitation and prostitution in Cuba. They noted that despite the government’s efforts to combat human trafficking through a new plan for 2022-2024, there’s a critical lack of supporting legislation that effectively protects victims, specifically adolescents over the age of 16, who currently find themselves without legal protection.
**Editor**: That’s alarming. What specific challenges does the committee identify in addressing this issue?
**Maria Gonzalez**: The committee pointed out that there’s a lack of sufficient resources allocated to support victims of exploitation. They emphasized the need for comprehensive programs that not only provide immediate assistance but also long-term rehabilitation and reintegration services. The absence of adequate legal frameworks to prosecute offenders also perpetuates a culture of impunity, making it difficult to combat these crimes effectively.
**Editor**: How do you think the Cuban authorities can improve their response to these issues?
**Maria Gonzalez**: To address this crisis, the Cuban government must prioritize the development and enforcement of legislation that protects all citizens, particularly marginalized groups like adolescents. They should also increase funding for victim support services and establish grassroots initiatives that tackle the root causes of poverty and social vulnerability. Collaboration with international organizations can also provide necessary resources and expertise to combat human trafficking effectively.
**Editor**: Lastly, what can the international community do to help improve the situation in Cuba?
**Maria Gonzalez**: The international community has a critical role to play by advocating for policy changes and providing technical and financial support to Cuba in its fight against human trafficking and sexual exploitation. It’s also essential for the global community to apply diplomatic pressure on Cuba to uphold human rights standards, ensuring that no one is left vulnerable to exploitation due to economic hardship.
**Editor**: Thank you, Maria, for your insights on this pressing issue. We hope to see progress in combating these injustices in Cuba.
**Maria Gonzalez**: Thank you for shining a light on this important topic. It’s crucial that we continue to raise awareness and push for meaningful change.