Human Rights

Cuba
WOLA is committed to advancing human rights, democratic institutions, citizen participation, and equitable economic development in Latin America. We hope to see those values reflected as Cuba changes and develops. This requires recognition of some of the important gains – especially in health care, education, social equity, and participation at the local level – in Cuba, while criticizing its serious shortcomings in human rights and political democracy.


WOLA Policy
WOLA's Cuba program encourages U.S. policy-makers to move towards normalized relations with Cuba. the U.S. embargo on Cuba does nothing to promote human rights and social justice on the island. It is based on outdated Cold War ideology and special interest group politics. The Bush Administration's policy of tightening the embargo, and waiting until Fidel Castro leaves the scene, is misguided and counter-productive. Engagement with Cuba is a more sensible, more effective, and more humane strategy for promoting human rights and social justice.

WASHINGTON OFFICE ON LATIN AMERICA
Promoting Human Rights, Democracy, and Social and Economic Justice in Latin America



March 13, 2009

Washington, DC

A statement from a White House spokesperson yesterday indicated the President is considering additional steps to liberalize travel to Cuba, beyond those recently issued by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) which authorize family travel to Cuba once a year and redefine “family” to include relatives beyond immediate family members.
“The Administration has taken an important initial step to respond to the humanitarian needs of Cuban-American families,” said Geoff Thale, Program Director for WOLA. “Now we hope the White House will use its authority to loosen restrictions for other categories of travel as well.”

During his presidential campaign, President Obama pledged to, “immediately allow unlimited family travel and remittances to the island.” The recent OFAC directive repeals the widely unpopular 2004 Bush administration restrictions on family travel to Cuba, but does not eliminate all restrictions on family travel and remittances.

The 2009 Omnibus Appropriations bill approved by the Congress this week also eased restrictions on travel to Cuba by denying funds to enforce the 2004 family travel regulations and creating a general license for individuals traveling to Cuba to sell medical and agricultural goods.

“These actions are the work of a president and Congress responding to the will of the American people when it comes to U.S.-Cuba policy,” said Thale. “Momentum is building for Congress to act decisively this year and end the ban on travel to Cuba for all Americans.”



Contact:

Geoff Thale, Program Director

Office: (202) 797-2171

Mobile: (202) 664-7887

WOLA Applauds Presidential Order to Close Guantánamo Bay Detention Camp
January 22, 2009

WASHINGTON OFFICE ON LATIN AMERICA
Promoting Human Rights, Democracy, and Social and Economic Justice in Latin America





January 22, 2009


Washington, DC



For Immediate Release


The Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) applauds President Obama’s orders to close the detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and to ban the use of torture during interrogations. The President’s decision to issue these orders within two days of his inauguration indicates the high importance he places on restoring U.S. credibility abroad and affirming his administration’s commitment to human rights. “It’s a very significant first step and signals that the U.S. intends to return to being a leader on human rights,” said Joy Olson, Executive Director of WOLA. She added that the upcoming April 2009 Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago will provide President Obama the opportunity to signal his administration’s commitment to multilateral approaches to resolving common problems in the hemisphere such as poverty and inequality, trade and development, and violence and citizen security.


Contact

Geoff Thale,

Program Director

202-797-2171