Cuba

“Cuba's future must be freely determined by the Cuban people. Sadly, that has not been the case for decades, and it is not the case today. The people of Cuba deserve the same rights, freedoms and opportunities as anyone else. And so the United States is going to continue supporting the basic rights of the Cuban people.”  --President Barack Obama, December 19, 2011

For more than 50 years, Cubans have lived under a totalitarian regime that has severely restricted fundamental freedoms, repressed political opponents, and violated human rights. The president of the United States is committed to supporting the desire of the Cuban people to freely determine their future and enjoy the rights and freedoms that define the Americas. To this end, the U.S. foreign assistance program supports efforts in three broad areas:

• Provide humanitarian assistance (basic foodstuff, vitamins and personal hygiene supplies) to political prisoners and their families

• Promote human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as support for independent civil society by strengthening leadership skills and providing opportunities for community organizing

• Facilitate information flow to, from and within the island

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USAID's Programs in Cuba