The IACHR grants precautionary measures in favor of 20 identified members of the San Isidro Movement (MSI) regarding Cuba

February 12, 2021

Washington, D.C.- On February 11, 2021, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) issued Resolution 14/2021, whereby it granted precautionary measures of protection in favor of 20 identified members of the San Isidro Movement (MSI), after considering that these individuals, who are Human rights defenders, are in a serious and urgent situation of risk of irreparable harm to their rights in Cuba.

According to the request, these individuals are at risk due to threats, harassment, surveillance, persecution, detentions and acts of violence by state agents and third parties because of their work as activists and journalists, human rights defenders in Cuba. The IACHR regrets the lack of response by the State, even though the Commission requested its observations in accordance with Article 25.5 of the Rules of Procedure.

Upon analyzing the arguments of fact and law submitted by the applicants, the Commission considers that the information provided shows prima facie that the 20 identified members of the San Isidro Movement (MSI) are in a serious and urgent situation, given that their rights to life and personal integrity are at risk of irreparable harm. Consequently, in accordance with Article 25 of the IACHR Rules of Procedure, the Commission requests that Cuba: a) adopt the necessary measures to protect the rights to life and personal integrity of the 20 identified members of the San Isidro Movement (MSI). To this end, the State must both ensure that its agents respect the life and personal integrity of the beneficiaries, and protect their rights in relation to acts of risk that are attributable to third parties, in accordance with the standards established by international law of human rights; b) adopt the necessary measures so that the beneficiaries can carry out their activities as human rights defenders, without being subjected to acts of violence, intimidation and harassment in the performance of their work; c) agree on the measures to be adopted with the beneficiaries and their representatives; and, d) report on the actions taken to investigate the alleged events that led to the adoption of this precautionary measure and thus avoid its repetition.
The decision to grant a precautionary measure and its adoption by the State do not constitute prejudice on alleged violations of the rights protected in the applicable instruments.

A principal, autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS), the IACHR derives its mandate from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. The Inter-American Commission has a mandate to promote respect for and to defend human rights in the region and acts as a consultative body to the OAS in this area. The Commission is composed of seven independent members who are elected in an individual capacity by the OAS General Assembly and who do not represent their countries of origin or residence.

No. 032/21