On the occasion of World Refugee Day, Cuba's Prime Minister, Manuel Marrero Cruz, shared a message on X (formerly Twitter) expressing solidarity with those forced to flee their homes due to armed conflicts. However, he notably did not address the mass exodus that has emptied thousands of homes on the island.
"We raise our voices for the thousands of people forced to leave their homes due to armed conflicts. #Cuba reiterates its call for peace," Marrero stated, while also condemning what he called "Israel's genocide in Palestine and its warmongering escalation in the region."
His remarks sparked a wave of criticism from Cuban users on social media, who chastised him for overlooking the increasing number of citizens compelled to flee the country due to economic, political, and social reasons. "What about the thousands of Cubans who drowned in the Florida Straits or perished in the Darién Gap?" one user questioned.
Others accused him of hypocrisy, pointing out that "because of your totalitarian policies, I am a refugee in Europe." These criticisms align with one of the most severe migration crises Cuba has faced in recent decades. In 2024 alone, over 250,000 Cubans emigrated, according to official data from the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI), amidst inflation, shortages, loss of future prospects, and absence of structural reforms.
The demographic impact was even more devastating: the island lost more than 307,000 residents in 2024, recording the lowest birth rate in 65 years. Independent studies suggest that the actual number of emigrants could have exceeded 545,000, indicating a population reduction comparable to war-torn nations.
Furthermore, data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) show that more than 300,000 Cubans sought asylum in various countries during 2023. In the United States alone, over 241,000 asylum applications were reported. Since 2022, more than 850,000 Cubans have arrived in the U.S., mainly through the southern border.
Despite these figures, the Cuban government avoids labeling its citizens as "refugees," instead describing the migration as a "multicausal" phenomenon, primarily attributed to external factors and the impact of the U.S. embargo. In his Refugee Day message, Marrero made no mention of the human tragedy faced by thousands of Cubans leaving their homes, often with no hope of return. He also failed to acknowledge those who died on dangerous journeys like the Darién Gap or the Florida Straits, nor the rising number of asylum applications in Latin America and Europe.
Cuban Migration Crisis: Key Questions and Answers
Why did Manuel Marrero face criticism for his World Refugee Day message?
Marrero was criticized for expressing solidarity with refugees globally while ignoring the significant number of Cubans fleeing the country due to economic, political, and social issues.
How many Cubans emigrated in 2024?
According to official data, over 250,000 Cubans emigrated in 2024, though independent studies suggest the number could be over 545,000.
What are the main causes of the Cuban migration crisis?
The crisis is attributed to economic hardships, political repression, social issues, and the lack of structural reforms on the island.