"Cuba in 2011" according to "The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops"

USCCB POSITION

The bishops in Cuba have long-held the position that greater dialogue within Cuba and between Cuba and the rest of the world (especially its diaspora) would be helpful and fruitful. The Holy See, the Cuban bishops, and the USCCB have strongly denounced the Cuban crackdown on peaceful dissent and the unwarranted use of the death penalty. USCCB continues to stand with the Church in Cuba in defending full religious liberty and opposing governmental intrusions into and restrictions on ecclesial life. Such solidarity has been made concrete by visits of bishops from the United States as well as by offering resources to help the Church in Cuba carry out its pastoral and social work. Along with the Cuban bishops, USCCB believes engagement with Cuba will do more than the current U.S. policy of isolation to promote respect for human rights and a greater openness. USCCB's basic message over the years has emphasized:

• The principal effect of the U.S. embargo has been to strengthen government control and to weaken an already weak civil society; it provides the government with excuses for its own failures.
• Dollar-laden tourists and the party faithful in Cuba live well enough, but most Cubans are poor and they suffer real and constant deprivation of both food and other human needs. Ending the travel ban will provide employment opportunities for poor persons.
• The Church in Cuba is strongly opposed to the U.S. embargo, as are most political dissidents. Any steps towards removing barriers to engagement with Cuba are welcome and encouraged to the degree that they do not undermine Cuban civil society and religious freedom.

USCCB is deeply concerned about the limitations on the freedom of the Church and other parts of civil society in Cuba, of the routine violations of human rights, and limitations on freedom of speech and assembly. Many decades of U.S.-imposed isolation have not had any discernible impact on the current regime. Change, although slow, is taking place as the Cuban government opens itself up to exploring elements of a new economic and social system. Improving the lives of the Cuban people and encouraging democracy and human rights in Cuba will best be advanced through more, rather than less, contact between Cuban and American peoples. Ending the U.S.-imposed travel ban will exert indirect pressure on the Cuban government to be more open as it will no longer be able to blame this aspect of the embargo for the economic challenges facingCuba. Removing the barriers to agricultural exports to Cuba, and thus deepening the trade relationship, is also another step toward greater engagement. Increased agricultural sales to Cuba will not undermine the agricultural sector as it is unable to provide enough food for domestic consumption and will allow Cubans greater access to food supplies for domestic and tourism-related consumption. (read full report)