At the Fifth Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Cuban activist Oraisa Estrada Velma boldly exposed the Cuban regime's oppression of Afro-descendants. Her speech, which lasted just over five minutes, brought to light specific cases of political prisoners and the physical and psychological torture faced by those who dissent on the island.
Estrada Velma, who is affiliated with the Spain-based organization Cubans for Progress and Integration in Valencia (CPIV), stood firm as she declared, "As a free Afro-descendant Cuban woman, I raise my voice today for those who have been stripped of everything—their freedom, dignity, and even humanity." She critically addressed the supposed amnesty announced by the regime on April 3, 2026, arguing that it fell short of true liberation for political detainees.
Highlighting Human Rights Violations
During her address, Estrada Velma referenced the semi-annual report by Cubalex, which reported 246 human rights violations in Cuba. Moreover, she pointed out that, according to Prisoners Defenders, there were 1,214 political prisoners in Cuba as of February 2026, many of whom are of Afro-descendant heritage.
One of the cases she mentioned was that of Donaida Pérez Paseiro, the president of the Free Yoruba Association, who has been repeatedly detained by Cuban authorities despite previous releases.
Attempts to Silence a Courageous Voice
Amid her speech, the Cuban official delegation attempted to silence Estrada Velma by invoking a UN regulation, a tactic not unfamiliar to the regime. This maneuver mirrors a 2018 incident where the Cuban ambassador to the UN endeavored to prevent Cuban activists from speaking in international forums, showcasing the regime's consistent efforts to mute dissenting voices, even beyond its borders.
Understanding the Struggle for Freedom in Cuba
What was the main message of Oraisa Estrada Velma's speech?
Oraisa Estrada Velma's speech focused on the oppression faced by Afro-descendants in Cuba, highlighting cases of political prisoners and the regime's efforts to strip individuals of their freedom and dignity.
How did the Cuban delegation attempt to interrupt Estrada Velma's speech?
The Cuban delegation attempted to interrupt Estrada Velma's speech by invoking a UN regulation, a tactic previously used to silence dissenting voices in international settings.
Who is Donaida Pérez Paseiro?
Donaida Pérez Paseiro is the president of the Free Yoruba Association in Cuba, known for her repeated detentions by authorities despite previous releases.