An unusual call for information by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has stirred debate regarding Cuban medical teams working globally, specifically in the Caribbean and the Americas.
The commission has sent a letter, acquired by sources, asking OAS members for details of their agreements with Cuba for medical missions, if these workers have labor and union rights, and any labor disputes reported.
Francesca Emanuele from the Center for Economic and Policy Research considers the commission’s move unprecedented and disturbing. According to Cuban authorities, over 22,000 doctors are stationed in more than 50 countries, many of which are in the Caribbean, highlighting the region’s reliance on these professionals.
The commission, an independent OAS body significantly funded by the U.S., plans to evaluate the data received and propose recommendations due to ongoing reports of rights infringements. A commission representative stated the letter is confidential.
This request followed the U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s declaration of visa limits for Cuban and other foreign officials linked to these medical missions, labeling them “forced labor.” The timing, according to Emanuele, raises questions and challenges decision-making autonomy within member states.
In June, the U.S. government imposed visa restrictions on particular unidentified Central American officials. Silence has persisted since the commission’s May 24 letter, which gave OAS states 30 days to respond.
Ralph Gonsalves, the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, anticipates a collective regional response. He intends to present the issue at an upcoming meeting of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States.
Gonsalves emphasizes no human rights violations are at stake, highlighting that Cuban doctors are fundamental to healthcare services like the sole hemodialysis center in St. Vincent. He doesn’t foresee potential visa issues, having met with Rubio earlier, providing thorough information on the valuable work of Cuban medical staff locally.
In Guyana, Foreign Minister Hugh Todd said the government intends to modify how it pays and recruits Cuban medical professionals to adhere to international labor standards, although he didn’t directly link these changes to U.S. visa concerns.
Guyanese Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo commented on the need to ensure their employment conditions comply with U.S. regulations given the significant reliance on American support stemming from a border conflict with Venezuela.
Some Caribbean leaders have been candid about the potential visa risks if a compromise isn’t reached, emphasizing the essential nature of Cuban medical support. Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley openly stated that losing a U.S. visa wouldn’t outweigh the need for Cuban medical professionals.
Similarly, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Keith Rowley asserted the importance of national sovereignty over international travel privileges. Meanwhile, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel criticized what he sees as a campaign against Cuba, stating there are efforts to cut off national revenue, even in crucial healthcare services.
Rubio has stood by the visa restrictions, asserting their role is to ensure accountability.