The Cuban Observatory for Human Rights (OCDH) has formally requested that the European Union investigate potential human trafficking practices involving the Cuban medical brigade stationed in Calabria, Italy. This contingent comprises around 200 healthcare professionals.
Leading the delegation to Brussels were Yaxys Cires, the OCDH's Director of Strategies, and Cuban doctor Daily Coro, who specializes in documenting the operations of international medical missions. They engaged in discussions with members from several European parliamentary groups, including the Popular, Socialist, Renew Europe, Conservatives, and Reformists and Patriots, along with officials from the European External Action Service.
"There are victims of human trafficking, and we have called for their protection," Coro stated to Martí Noticias.
The organization's appeal is supported by the European Parliament's resolution passed on June 18, 2026, which highlights political repression and the humanitarian situation in Cuba, explicitly mentioning the medical brigades as potential human trafficking operations.
"We appreciate the European Parliament's recent resolution on Cuba, which acknowledges the medical brigades as potential human trafficking," Dr. Coro noted.
International bodies such as the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and various United Nations mandates have documented issues within these missions, including the withholding of 75% to 90% of wages, workweeks extending up to 71.89 hours, movement restrictions, surveillance of personal life, and barriers to family reunification.
In Calabria specifically, according to Prisoners Defenders, the original agreement stipulated a monthly payment of 4,700 euros per doctor, with 3,500 euros funneled to the Cuban Medical Services Marketing Company (CSMC)—a military-linked entity—and only 1,200 euros directly reaching the professionals.
The mission in Calabria faces mounting international scrutiny. In August 2026, the CSMC's bank account at Italy's BPER was frozen, potentially linked to sanctions imposed by Washington on July 23, 2026, against the CSMC, Cuba's Ministry of Public Health, and the Union of Cuban Scientists and Communicators.
Coro also highlighted the adverse impact of these missions on healthcare within Cuba: "These missions have negatively affected medical care in Cuba, as the system has lost about 30% of its personnel since 2023, while approximately 23,000 healthcare workers remain deployed abroad."
Regionally, the situation is compounded. Jamaica, Honduras, and Guatemala terminated their medical agreements with Cuba in early 2026 under U.S. pressure, although Calabria's governor, Roberto Occhiuto, has resisted following suit, citing the necessity to keep hospitals operational.
Beyond the investigation into Calabria, the OCDH has called on European institutions to establish a task force focused on the potential for a democratic transition in Cuba.
"It is now up to the European executive and member states to formulate a new policy towards the Cuban regime," Cires asserted, revealing that the European Parliament is working on a new resolution to spotlight the plight of political prisoners on the island.
Understanding the Cuban Medical Brigade Controversy
What allegations have been made against the Cuban medical brigade in Italy?
The Cuban medical brigade in Calabria, Italy, faces allegations of human trafficking, with claims that healthcare workers are subjected to severe wage deductions, excessive working hours, and restrictions on their freedom.
Why is the OCDH pushing for an investigation by the European Union?
The OCDH is urging the EU to investigate due to reports of human rights violations within the Cuban medical missions, including potential human trafficking practices and the exploitation of healthcare professionals.
How has the international community responded to the situation?
International response includes the European Parliament's resolution addressing human trafficking concerns, sanctions from the United States, and bank account freezes linked to the Cuban Medical Services Marketing Company.