The Catholic Church has clarified that the humanitarian aid sent by the United States cannot reach every Cuban in need due to limited resources. This assistance is primarily intended for those facing extreme vulnerability.
The Diocese of San Rosendo, located in Pinar del Río, issued a statement from Bishop Juan de Dios Hernández Ruiz explaining that this aid is not a permanent social program or a universal right. Instead, it serves as emergency relief for those in the most critical situations.
"Humanitarian aid is not a permanent social assistance program nor a universal entitlement. It targets those in extreme vulnerability. Resources are limited, prioritizing those in greatest need," the statement emphasized.
The assistance will focus on elderly individuals living alone, pregnant or breastfeeding women with identified risks, children under five years in precarious situations, and individuals with disabilities or bedridden who cannot care for themselves.
The diocese acknowledged the pain of excluding families also in need but stressed that selection is based on the severity of each case and the practical limitations of the program.
"If you don't receive aid, it doesn't imply a lack of need, but rather that others are in even more critical circumstances," Bishop Hernández stated, urging understanding given the inability to cover the entire population.
He added, "As a Church, we are fully aware that we cannot reach everyone, and this reality pains us."
Criteria for Aid Distribution
The Church insisted that aid must be granted solely based on the level of need, without discrimination by nationality, religion, race, or political stance. The distribution should not be used to sway political debates.
The Bishop of Pinar del Río urged support for delivering aid to those in dire conditions, emphasizing that respecting the established priorities is an act of solidarity.
Funding and Logistics
This initiative is part of a $100 million humanitarian assistance fund allocated by the U.S. government for Cuba. The diocese clarified that this sum covers the entire logistical assurance process and is not merely the value of the goods provided to beneficiaries.
Out of the $100 million, $60 million will be channeled through Cáritas Cuba, with logistical support from Catholic Relief Services. The remaining $40 million will be managed by other organizations.
The U.S. had previously confirmed that the humanitarian package would include food and essential goods, aiming to reach Cubans through the Catholic Church and non-governmental organizations.
Selected households will receive a module containing food and essential hygiene items. The hygiene kit includes four bars of soap, powdered detergent, two tubes of toothpaste, four toothbrushes, a bottle of water purification tablets, two packs of sanitary pads, a lidded plastic bucket, a 20-liter water storage container, and a rechargeable lamp.
Ongoing Support From Cáritas Cuba
The diocese warned that these modules should not be confused with other assistance that Cáritas Cuba continues to provide as part of its regular human accompaniment and promotion programs. These initiatives run parallel and are unrelated to the U.S. fund.
Cáritas Cuba had already acknowledged that the coverage of aid would not suffice to reach all those in need. The institution indicated that beneficiaries would be chosen based on vulnerability criteria.
Distribution is managed by volunteers and parish community teams. The first shipment was received in Havana, containing modules for 700 families, and Cáritas stated that deliveries would be made directly to selected homes.
The Catholic organization continues to conduct separate humanitarian operations in eastern provinces, aimed at families affected by Hurricane Melissa.
Key Questions About U.S. Aid to Cuba
Who will be prioritized for U.S. humanitarian aid in Cuba?
The aid will prioritize elderly individuals living alone, pregnant or breastfeeding women with risks, children under five in risky situations, and individuals with disabilities or who are bedridden.
What does the U.S. aid package to Cuba include?
The aid package includes food and essential hygiene items such as soap, detergent, toothpaste, toothbrushes, water purification tablets, sanitary pads, a plastic bucket, a water storage container, and a rechargeable lamp.
How is the $100 million aid fund to Cuba being managed?
Cáritas Cuba will manage $60 million with logistical support from Catholic Relief Services, while the remaining $40 million will be handled by other organizations.