In Cuba, UNHCR is assisting 197 refugees and asylum-seekers amidst significant challenges, including new but unpublished immigration laws and the aftermath of Hurricanes Oscar and Rafael, which caused extensive damage and disruption. Many refugees lack legal status and require urgent resettlement, underscoring their reliance on UNHCR for support amidst these crises.
As of October – December 2024, the UNHCR is managing 197 refugees and asylum-seekers from 16 different countries in Cuba. Notably, 40 percent of these individuals lack legal status, and nearly 39 percent are women and children. The urgent need for resettlement is evident, as 66 refugees await relocation, primarily from countries such as Syria, Iran, Afghanistan, Haiti, Sudan, and Yemen.
Cuba is not a signatory to international refugee laws, which places a burden on UNHCR to ensure refugees are protected from refoulement and have access to necessary services. Despite new immigration laws approved by the National Assembly in July 2024, which aim to formalize status for refugees, asylum-seekers, and stateless individuals, these laws have not yet been published. Consequently, these groups remain entirely dependent on UNHCR’s support for their needs.
The latter part of 2024 brought significant challenges to Cuba, as Hurricanes Oscar and Rafael struck within weeks of one another. Hurricane Oscar devastated eastern Cuba, damaging over 14,300 homes and affecting essential services for approximately 1.4 million people. Just after recovering from a nationwide blackout, Hurricane Rafael, a Category 3 storm, impacted western regions, including Havana, exacerbating existing disruptions and affecting 3.5 million individuals.
In addition to these hurricanes, two significant earthquakes measuring 6.0 and 6.7 on the Richter scale compounded the national crisis. In response, vital supplies were distributed to both the local communities and the refugee population, including kitchen sets, tarpaulins, mosquito nets, solar lamps, and sleeping mats to alleviate the pressing humanitarian needs.
In summary, the UNHCR is currently overseeing a diverse group of refugees and asylum-seekers in Cuba who face legal and humanitarian challenges. Recent natural disasters, including two hurricanes and earthquakes, have highlighted the vulnerability of these populations. Continuous support from UNHCR remains essential as legal protections are still pending publication, leaving many refugees reliant on external assistance.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
