From Babalu Blog: One Million Signatures

One million signatures may not force the Cuban government in and of itself to release Cuba’s political prisoners. But, one million signatures may be a giant step in exposing the reality of Cuba’s human rights violations to the world and especially to those who simply have refused to acknowledge said reality.A number of human rights groups, organizations and institutions have come together in support of a petition calling for the release of Cuba’s political prisoners.The text of said petition is short, concise and to the point:

The Cuban Government is currently holding more than 220 political prisoners according to Amnesty International, the Cuban Committee for Human Rights, Human Rights Watch, and Reporters Without Borders. These prisoners are illegally held in prison according to the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which Cuba has signed and recognizes. Despite signing these documents, Cuba continues to suppress freedom of expression by outlawing peaceful advocacy for human rights and democratic reforms. In defiance of the universally-recognized rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly, Cuban activists are systematically targeted for persecution.

I am asking each and every one of you to please sign this petition.

May 21 is Cuba Solidarity Day:

Cuba Solidarity Day
The Cuban people need your help! People all over the world are joining together on Cuba Solidarity Day, this May 21, to stand beside the people of Cuba in their struggle for freedom and democracy. Let’s demonstrate our support for Cuba’s political prisoners, respect for the Inter-American Democratic Charter, and the right of the Cuban people to choose their own government and live in peace and freedom! Join us as we speak in one voice to demand peace, freedom, and democracy on the island!May 21 has great historic significance as it falls within a two-week period in which Cubans throughout the island remember those that have suffered under the Castro regime while struggling for freedom and human rights.

Click here to find out how YOU can participate in Cuba Solidarity Day.

More on both later.

Cross-posted at Fausta’s blog.