Images circulating on social media have sparked outrage across Cuba, showing at least six children sleeping for weeks in the gardens of the Muthu Hotel, located at the intersection of 1st and 70th avenues in Playa, Havana. This alarming situation was brought to light by Cuban journalist Yadira Albet, who raised awareness through her Facebook profile, sharing posts from Mayelín Guevara (who later deleted her post) and other eyewitnesses confirming the ongoing presence of the children in this tourist area of the capital.
“This situation is unacceptable. I’m sharing Mayelín Guevara’s post, and comments confirm that these children are indeed there,” Albet wrote, addressing her concerns to educational institutions, homes for children without family support, the PNR, and the Cuban government. The issue was also highlighted by activist Yamilka Laffitta (Lara Crofs) on her social media wall.
According to reports, the children, aged between 8 and 14, have been sleeping on cardboard in the hotel's gardens for over a month. This followed their eviction by police from the surroundings of a nearby Business Center, where they used to find shelter. “Initially, they were around the Business Center, and it's true they are there now, asking for help,” recounted Havana resident Beatriz Alonso, who claims to have spoken with some of the children.
“They come from impoverished neighborhoods, particularly from Marianao. Several are children of imprisoned mothers or have fathers who emigrated, leaving them with grandparents,” Alonso added. Many users confirmed seeing the children in the area, either begging for money or assisting tourists with shopping carts at the new dollar market at 3rd and 70th.
“Those children are there every day. They run when they see the authorities. They’ve been taken away several times but always return,” a local resident commented. Despite repeated alerts from citizens and journalists, no state institution has yet addressed the situation.
The images have sparked indignation and a robust debate regarding the increasing visibility of child homelessness in Cuba, a reality the regime often denies. “My God, the photo shows at least six children. I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s all getting more tragic by the day,” wrote user Lisbety Mirabal, while another netizen, Jorge Gabriel Alfonso Font, lamented: “The Cuba we’re being left with is terrible.”
Independent organizations and local observers warn that more children are living on the streets in Cuba, begging or scavenging for food, vulnerable to abuse and total neglect. According to data from UNICEF and the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights, extreme poverty affects 89% of households, with at least 9% of children suffering from food scarcity.
Despite these alarming statistics, the Cuban government continues to tout its “social achievements” without acknowledging the collapse of its child protection system. The annual inflation rate at the end of 2024 was 24.88%, while wages barely exceed 7,000 pesos per month, with food and medicine shortages worsening.
Understanding the Crisis of Child Homelessness in Cuba
What are the main causes behind children sleeping in hotel gardens in Havana?
The primary causes include extreme poverty, lack of family support due to imprisoned parents or emigration, and inadequate government intervention and support systems.
How is the Cuban government responding to child homelessness?
As of now, the Cuban government has not taken any significant action to address the issue, despite repeated calls from citizens and journalists.
What role do independent organizations play in this situation?
Independent organizations and local observers are crucial in raising awareness and providing data on the growing issue of child homelessness and poverty in Cuba.