| Click here for a summary of Cuba’s review at the first cycle and/or the third cycle. |
16th UPR session
Date of review: 1 May 2013
Date of report adoption: 20 September 2013
Working Group report: A/HRC/24/16
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SUMMARY SOGIESC issues during Cuba’s 2nd UPR review |
I. Key issues/recommendations identified by NGOs
- ask what measures are being take to sensitize education and health providers, as well as the judiciary, police and other law enforcement officials on human rights relating to sexual orientation and gender identity;
- apply the Yogyakarta Principles as a guide to policy development.
II. Excerpts from input reports
National report
III. Achievements and challenges in the promotion and protection of human rights in Cuba
Respect for freedom of sexual orientation and gender identity
111. As part of the deep commitment to social justice and defending full equality between all Cubans, respect for freedom of sexual orientation and gender identity continued to be promoted and steps were taken to expand opportunities for dialogue and interaction on these issues from a position of respect, understanding and awareness.
112. Implementation of the educational strategy calling for respect for free and responsible sexual orientation and gender identity is being led by the National Sex Education Centre (CENESEX), a government institution that addresses these issues in coordination with other government institutions and civil society organizations. CENESEX is also responsible for coordinating the National Sex Education Programme.
113. In recent years the focus of Programme activities, which involve numerous civil society entities and organizations, has included: communication strategies and sex education; promoting academic studies and scientific research; counselling and sex therapy; comprehensive care for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and victims of gender-based violence and of child sex abuse; developing community programmes; producing editorial and audiovisual content; links with social networks; online discussions; and campaigns for respect for freedom of sexual orientation.
Compilation of UN information
No references to sexual orientation or gender identity.
Summary of stakeholders’ information
C. Implementation of international human rights obligations
1. Equality and non-discrimination
27. More than 37 submissions also mentioned measures in place to combat discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The Sociedad Cubana Multidisciplinaria de Estudios sobre la Sexualidad (Cuban Multidisciplinary Sexuality Research Association) (SOCUMES) indicated that implementation of an educational strategy to promote respect for free and responsible choices with respect to sexual orientation and gender identity had given rise to a debate on sexual diversity. The Asociación de Profesionales Graduados en la República de Cuba (Professional Graduates Association) (APGRC) referred to the creation of a comprehensive health centre for transgender persons.
III. References to SOGI during the Working Group review
I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process
A. Presentation by the State under review
21. The struggle against discrimination based on sexual orientation is another area where we have recorded a sustained progress.
B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review
109. Cuba said that progress had continued in recognizing and guaranteeing rights relating to sexual orientation and gender identity, guaranteeing in that way full and responsible enjoyment of sexuality.
IV. Conclusions and/or recommendations
The recommendations formulated during the interactive dialogue and listed below enjoyed the support of Cuba:
170.132. Continue to promote the social inclusion and rights of its LGBT community and that the country’s experience in this regard is actively shared with countries in the region and globally (Norway);
170.133. Strengthen publicity and awareness campaigns aimed at increasing knowledge among the population about the rights of LGBT people (South Africa).
Cuba took note of the following recommendation:
170.134. Further expand the opportunities for dialogue on sexual orientation and gender identity (Brazil).
V. Adoption of the Report
The draft report of the Working Group was adopted at the 24th session of the Human Rights Council in September 2013. There were no further references to SOGI.
VI. Further information
UPR Documentation