History & Program Highlights
In Cuba
Under the current regime in Cuba, activists and dissidents are often barred from employment. The Foundation for Human Rights in Cuba has dedicated itself to providing the necessary aid and provisions to activists, dissidents, political prisoners, and their families, in order to support and maintain activism on the Island. Since its inception, the FHRC has supplied Cuban Civil Society with hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of:
- Communication equipment - Computers, DVD players (and instructional DVDs), Cell phones, and other related communication equipment
- Activism support – Training materials, cameras, campaign t-shirts
- Provisions – Food, medicine, hygiene products, and clothing
- Remittances – Direct cash aid for individual activist and human rights organizations in Cuba
The FHRC has also been competitive in the pursuit of US grant funding for activist campaigns in Cuba. In 2010, the FHRC successfully managed multiple grant agreements with premier USAID subcontractors including a cash grant and an in-kind grant totaling in excess of $175,000. These agreements were developed in accordance with FHRC leadership as well as activist leaders and organizations in Cuba in order to emphasize the necessity of working together for the advancement of Human Rights and building an independent Civil Society.
Hurricane & Disaster Relief
The FHRC has also maintained its capacity to assist Cuban Civil Society during hurricane and disaster relief. In 2008, during a very active hurricane season, hurricane Ike caused severe damage to Cuba and its infrastructure. In order to provide relief, FHRC mobilized a massive assistance campaign that collected and then distributed over $200,000 in direct cash aid to hurricane victims over a 3 day period.
In addition, the FHRC distributes hurricane relief packages, on a yearly basis, containing nonperishable food items, medicine, blankets/clothing, and other basic necessities to support Cuban Civil Society members during the hurricane season.
In the United States
The FHRC uses its expertise, experience, and network to create and sustain awareness regarding the efforts of activists and Civil Society members in Cuba. The FHRC does this by providing daily updates on its website, conducting media and community outreach campaigns, and working with related NGOs.
The FHRC also holds many fundraising events in the US that directly support current campaigns and initiatives on the Island. These events are open to anyone interested in supporting Human Rights in Cuba and raises more than $100,000 annually for Cuban Civil Society members and organizations.
In the International Community
Outside of the US and Cuba, FHRC’s focus is on building awareness of and highlighting the work of independent Human Rights activists and Civil Society members so that their message is heard throughout the International Community. In doing so, the FHRC can provide a level of protection against the regime’s repression and propaganda by focusing international attention to the atrocities in Cuba. To that extent, FHRC has detailed hundreds of cases where the regime has harassed, detained, abused, and imprisoned individuals for simply exercising their most basic human and civil rights or simply because the regime finds an individual to possess an ability for “dangerousness”.
The FHRC has acted as a delegate in the United Nations Human Rights Commission and participates in various international conferences including the CIVICUS World Assembly, in which FHRC’s leaders have continually called for international solidarity with Cuba’s Human Rights activists. The Foundation projects its expertise through communication and outreach, in both national and international media spheres, in order to ensure international public opinion remains aligned with the values of Cuba’s Civil Society and continue to pressure the regime on the issue of Human Rights.