cuba

 

The main goal of our foundation’s work in Cuba is to join international solidarity with oppressed civil society in Cuba, and to offer humanitarian help to families of political prisoners.

Pontis Foundation has been working with Cuban dissident groups since 2002. At first, we supported them with materials displaying indirect symbols of freedom. Later, we focused on youth civic activists in several provinces.

Simultaneously, we have organized many events and activities in Slovakia and other European countries to raise public awareness of the issue of democracy and human rights in Cuba. When the European Parliament awarded the Sacharov Prize to leading Cuban dissident Oswaldo Paya in December 2002, we co-organized his visit to Bratislava. After the massive crakdown on Cuban dissidents by the Fidel Castro regime in March 2003, together with our partner NGO People in Peril, we launched a public collection in Slovakia to support the families of political prisoners. 

Collected funds were used for direct support for more than 20 families of political prisoners, either in the form of cash of basic medical supplies that are difficult to obtain in Cuba. They were delivered to the families by our volunteers. The financial aid distributed to the families is used for covering basic living expenses and also occasional visits to the prison.

We also encouraged 10 members of the Slovak and European Parliaments to "adopt" individual Cuban political prisoners, monitor his case and provide support to their families. Additionally, we initiated a number of solidarity events, including a petition by Slovak women leaders in support of the Damas de Blanco protest movement, which was then delivered to Cuba.

In April 2006, together with the Czech NGO People in Need we prepared a policy paper on EU relations with Cuba that was later supported by more than 15 European NGOs.

News and analyses are availabe in this section.