THE MISSION OF THE FOUNDATION: MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER

THE FOUNDATION | ACTIVISM | NEWS | EVENTS | RESOURCES | DONATE | PETITIONS | SHOP THE MISSION OF THE FOUNDATION: MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER   As many focus their attention on the ongoing negotiations between Cuba and the United States, the international community and the media have begun to take notice that serious human rights violations in Cuba are still a major issue. In fact, while a ceremonial U.S. flag was raised in Havana this past August 14th, More than 200 nonviolent opposition activists from 23 organizations based in Cuba, and 32 abroad, including representatives from this Foundation, attended the the first Cuban National Encounter: “Uniting Two Shores,” a two-day working conference in Puerto Rico. The result was The San Juan Declaration to support meaningful actions and changes to benefit the Cuban people and not it's repressive government. In addition, respected global media outlets such as Vice News, among others, have exposed worldwide audiences to the ongoing persecution and detentions of Cuba's human rights and political activists, including artists like Danilo Maldonado Machado, "El Sexto," who has been serving unjust jail time at the infamous Valle Grande prison in Havana for over 8 months without a trial. All for painting two live pigs last December meant for an artistic performance. Fellow activists have responded with the #FreeElSexto campaign along with a petition for his release via Change.org. The Foundation has also been keeping track of El Sexto's case, along with at least 26 other current political prisoners serving time in Cuban jails. We will continue to shed light on these issues and demand the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners and prisoners of conscience in Cuba. Join us in this vital and ongoing struggle as we unite our voice for freedom, democracy and human rights in Cuba, as well as to support the empowerment of independent civil society, without whom there will be no meaningful change in Cuba. Click here to help now! MEDIA EXPOSES CUBA'S LACK OF CONNECTIVITY   Last week, Vice Motherboard published a series of in depth articles highlighting Cuba's lack of modern technology and the extreme difficulty of accessing limited internet in Cuba. Stories ranged from "The Internet Dealers of Cuba" to "Cuba’s Black Market Website" which exists primarily offline. Motherboard even showed us "What it Looks Like to Use the Internet for the First Time" in Cuba. Cuba's attempt to mask access to the real internet by promoting "Communist Computer Clubs for Kids," which only allow access to a local intranet and pirated content, gave a unique glimpse into what Cuba's youth is exposed to on the island. Despite Cuba's limitations, now some American startups want to help by offering free services and downloads to Cubans to help share access at the few public Wi-Fi hotspots that currently exist. Even the Wall Street Journal exposed its readers to the Cuban government's "longtime distrust" of the Internet, resulting in extreme censorship as well as costly and limited access. All this at the expense of the Cuban people, many of which are "chomping at the bit" to get online. There is still much work to be done, but if we all work together, we can finally tear down Cuba's "cyber wall" once and for all. To see what you can do to help #ConnectCuba, click here! THE NOCHE TROPICAL TROPICANA 2020 GALA IS ON SALE NOW! The FHRC proudly presents the 9th Annual Noche Tropical "Tropicana 2020" Gala on Saturday October 24, in Downtown Miami. With Willy Chirino headlining the event, and all the hype from last year's gala, space is filling up fast! Don't delay and reserve your table and tickets today by contacting Dominique Klynott at 305-390-2786, Ext. 219, or by email at DKlynott@FHRCuba.org. Remember, the FHRC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, and all proceeds from the gala benefit our cause. Click for More Info!   We would like to take a moment and thank our Tropicana 2020 event producers and sponsors, WoW Factor, for once again committing to create a truly "WoW" experience at Noche Tropical this year. Also, we want share their inspiring and charitable project, Wish for a Wow. This Holiday Season, one lucky winner will have their wish to come true, as well as the chance to nominate a local nonprofit who will receive an additional donation from WoW Factor (of course, if you win, we hope you will choose the FHRC!) As WoW says, "good things come to those who wish." Please take a moment to visit their initiative, "where one individual may be granted a life-changing wish. It could be you." Click here to learn more! www.fhrcuba.org

Copyright 2014 Foundation For Human Rights In Cuba.