WORLD BRIEFING / CUBA
Cuba defended its human rights record in a report to the United Nations, saying that its communist government answers to the people and its controls on unions, social groups and the media work to strengthen individual freedoms.
The opposition denounced the assertions, with one activist saying Havana is now claiming to defend the same rights it has jailed dissidents for promoting.
In its report to the U.N. Human Rights Council, Cuba said it has created “an independent and sovereign socialist state of workers, organized with all and for the good of all.”
It cited rights such as full employment, healthcare and free education through college. It also noted that it holds elections, although other political groups are not allowed to participate.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
