The Panorama of Religious Freedom and Practice in Cuba

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March 15, 2021 | The role of religious communities in addressing development challenges facing Cuba is an important one, and the ability to enjoy religious freedom allows such communities to fully contribute to efforts to tackle the island’s many pressing social and economic problems. Religious liberties have increased in recent years, especially among the mainline churches. The ongoing space for greater religious autonomy and challenges faced by smaller churches paints a complex picture of religious freedom and practice in Cuba.

This panel featured a brief presentation by Dr. Ahmed Shaheed about his work as the UN special rapporteur for freedom of religion or belief and efforts to engage the Cuban government regarding its performance on this fundamental human right. Georgetown University professors Katherine Marshall and Rev. Matthew Carnes, S.J., responded to Dr. Shaheed and discussed the role of religious actors as a part of Cuban civil society that has been active in addressing social problems and advocating for human rights and democratic reforms.