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New leadership in Cuba must introduce human rights reforms

20 February 2008, 08:28AM

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Fidel Castro © Reuters

In reaction to Fidel Castro's announced that he will not return to the presidency, Amnesty International said: "The new Cuban leadership must take advantage of this change to introduce much needed reforms to guarantee the protection of human rights."

"Reform in Cuba must start with the unconditional release of all prisoners of conscience, the judicial review of all sentences passed after unfair trials, the abolition of the death penalty and the introduction of measures to ensure respect of fundamental freedoms and the independence of the judiciary," said Javier Zuniga, Special Advisor at Amnesty International.

We call on the new Cuban government to allow UN human rights bodies and independent human rights organizations to visit the country.

The organisation also urged the international community and in particular the U.S., to abolish policies and practices that impinge on the human rights of Cubans, such as the U.S. embargo.

Comments

Comments are submitted by members of the public and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of Amnesty International Australia. If you find a comment objectionable please contact the web editor.

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Ron Woods
21 February 2008, 04:26PM Notify the web editor

One of the worrying things about Fidel Castro’s resignation is the offer by George W Bush to help Cuba establish democracy.  I am astounded (but not surprised)at the hypocrisy - Bush’s version of democracy, as demonstrated at Guantanamo, would be no better than the present situation in Cuba.  By all means, let the world help improve the lot of Cubans, but please keep Bush well away!!

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