On Thursday, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel took the opportunity of International Week of the Deaf to post a message on Facebook, asserting that Cuba will ensure spaces where "dignity, communication, and rights pave the way for everyone."
"The world commemorates the International Week of the Deaf, a chance to highlight rights, diversity, communication, and inclusion. Cuba will continue to foster participation and create spaces where dignity, communication, and rights find paths for all," he stated.
Díaz-Canel's message was shared on his Facebook profile to mark the global commemoration initiated by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD). This year's theme is "Declaring the Human Rights of Deaf People," coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the organization.
The post features images related to the 2025 Deaflympics in Tokyo, including a female athlete with the number 068 posing with the Cuban flag on a track, and two athletes wearing medals and the national team's uniforms.
Cuba sent 21 athletes to compete in five sports—track and field, judo, wrestling, table tennis, and cycling—and returned with three medals.
The standout performer was Suslaidy Girat, who claimed gold in the long jump with a distance of 6.11 meters and silver in the triple jump with 12.60 meters. Judoka Yadira Ramos also contributed to the medal tally with a bronze in the 63-kilogram category.
With these achievements, Cuba ranked 30th among 81 countries at the Deaflympics in Tokyo.
Díaz-Canel's address on inclusion and rights emerges while the Cuban regime faces persistent criticism from international human rights organizations. These groups continually denounce the limitations imposed on civil and political freedoms of Cuban citizens, including repression of dissent and the imprisonment of activists and protesters.
The International Week of the Deaf is celebrated annually during the last week of September, as established by the WFD.
Understanding Cuba's Stance on Human Rights
What was the theme for the International Week of the Deaf in 2023?
The theme for the International Week of the Deaf in 2023 was "Declaring the Human Rights of Deaf People."
How did Cuba perform in the 2025 Deaflympics in Tokyo?
Cuba participated in the 2025 Deaflympics with 21 athletes in five disciplines and secured three medals, ranking 30th among 81 countries.
Who was the most notable Cuban athlete in the Deaflympics?
Suslaidy Girat was the standout Cuban athlete, winning gold in the long jump and silver in the triple jump.