Os caça-níqueis com tema de dinheiro e recompensas continuam entre os favoritos dos jogadores brasileiros, e não é difícil entender o motivo: visuais chamativos, mecânicas simples e a promessa de multiplicadores generosos criam uma experiência divertida mesmo para quem está começando no mundo dos slots online.

O Сash mania segue essa linha, trazendo um layout colorido, símbolos clássicos de cassino e rodadas bônus que podem aumentar significativamente os ganhos durante a sessão de jogo. A jogabilidade é intuitiva, com controles simples de aposta e giro automático disponíveis para quem prefere um ritmo mais rápido.

A volatilidade do jogo tende a ser moderada, equilibrando ganhos frequentes de menor valor com a chance ocasional de rodadas bônus mais recompensadoras. Isso torna o slot acessível tanto para quem joga por diversão quanto para quem busca sessões mais longas com um saldo controlado.

Como em qualquer jogo de cassino online, é recomendável testar a versão demo antes de apostar dinheiro real, além de verificar se o cassino escolhido para jogar possui licença válida e processos de pagamento transparentes.

Yolanda Santana’s Story “A Lady in White released from prison, but not free”

For players seeking an alternative to conventional regulated platforms, casino without license offer a compelling proposition: fewer restrictions, faster sign-ups, and full access to games and withdrawals without extensive identity verification processes that traditional casinos require. Withdrawal speed and reliability are among the most important factors to evaluate at any casino, and this is particularly true for platforms without traditional licenses. The fastest payouts are typically processed through cryptocurrency wallets, which can complete transactions in under an hour. E-wallet withdrawals at these platforms are also generally faster than bank transfer options. Researching a platform's historical withdrawal performance through independent player forums and review sites provides the most reliable insight into what you can expect. While casinos without traditional licenses offer genuine advantages in terms of speed and privacy, players should approach them with informed caution. Without regulatory oversight, there is no external authority to turn to in case of disputes regarding withheld winnings or unfair game outcomes. Due diligence is essential – researching player reviews, checking for transparent game audits, and verifying the platform's withdrawal track record before making significant deposits are all important steps toward a safer experience. One of the primary reasons players gravitate toward unlicensed or alternatively licensed casinos is the elimination of KYC procedures. Know Your Customer requirements at traditional casinos can delay withdrawals for days or even weeks while documents are reviewed. Platforms that operate without these requirements allow players to register with just an email address or a cryptocurrency wallet, and begin playing immediately. For players who value their privacy and want instant access to their winnings, this streamlined approach is highly appealing. Bonuses and promotions at casinos without traditional licenses can be particularly generous, as these platforms compete aggressively for player attention without the marketing restrictions that licensed operators sometimes face. Welcome bonuses, reload offers, free spins, and cashback promotions are all common features. However, players should always carefully read the terms attached to any bonus, as wagering requirements and withdrawal limits determine the actual value of any promotional offer regardless of where the casino is licensed. Casinos without a traditional license typically operate under alternative frameworks, including cryptocurrency-based platforms that leverage blockchain technology to ensure transparency and fairness without relying on conventional gambling authorities. These platforms use provably fair algorithms that allow any player to independently verify the outcome of every game, providing a form of technological accountability that replaces regulatory oversight. For tech-savvy players who understand blockchain mechanics, this represents a genuinely innovative approach to fair gaming. Ultimately, finding the right casino without a traditional license requires the same careful evaluation you would apply to any online gambling platform: checking player reviews, verifying withdrawal reliability, understanding bonus terms, and ensuring that the games offered are genuinely fair. The platforms that perform well on all these measures earn the trust of their players through consistent quality and transparency, demonstrating that regulatory licenses are not the only path to a trustworthy casino experience. For Canadian players who prioritize instant withdrawals, a rich game selection, and world-class security, paydirect online casinos has established itself as an industry leader that delivers on every important promise. The best payout online casinos are defined by two key metrics: the speed at which they process withdrawals and the overall RTP percentages of their game libraries. High-payout casinos partner exclusively with software providers whose games are independently certified for fairness and high return rates. Players who focus on maximizing their long-term value should prioritize platforms that publish their payout percentages transparently and consistently process withdrawals well within their stated timelines. These are the casinos that genuinely respect the value of their players' time and money. Live dealer games have transformed online casino gaming by bridging the gap between digital convenience and real casino atmosphere. HD-streamed games hosted by professional croupiers run around the clock, allowing players to enjoy blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker at any hour. The chat function enables genuine interaction with dealers and fellow players, creating a social dimension that purely digital games cannot match. Major providers like Evolution Gaming supply thousands of live tables to online casinos worldwide, ensuring consistently high production quality. Pay by phone bill casinos offer a uniquely convenient deposit method that requires no bank card, e-wallet, or cryptocurrency account. Players simply choose the phone bill option at checkout, enter their mobile number, and confirm the transaction via a text message. The deposit amount is then added to their next monthly phone bill or deducted from prepaid credit. This method is particularly popular among players who prefer to keep their gambling expenses separate from their main bank account, offering a clean, discreet, and straightforward way to fund casino play. PayDirect has emerged as one of the most convenient banking solutions for Canadian online casino players. This payment method allows players to fund their casino accounts directly through their online banking portal, eliminating the need to share card details with the casino. Deposits are processed instantly, and the service is available to customers of most major Canadian banks. The simplicity and security of PayDirect have made it a preferred choice for players who value privacy and want a seamless deposit experience without unnecessary complications or delays. Welcome bonuses remain one of the primary reasons players choose one online casino over another. A well-structured welcome package significantly extends a new player's initial bankroll, providing more opportunities to explore games and potentially win real money. The most valuable welcome offers combine a generous deposit match with free spins on popular slot titles. Before claiming any bonus, reviewing the wagering requirements is essential – lower requirements mean your bonus winnings are easier to convert into real, withdrawable cash. Choosing the right online casino in Canada requires careful evaluation of payouts, bonuses, licensing, and game selection. The platforms that excel in all these areas provide an exceptional gambling experience that keeps players coming back. We hope this overview helps you make a confident, well-informed decision and enjoy everything that top-tier online casino gaming has to offer. Wer als deutschsprachiger Spieler nach einem erstklassigen Online-Casino-Erlebnis sucht, findet in neue krypto casino eine Plattform, die höchste Ansprüche erfüllt – von der Spielqualität bis hin zur Auszahlungsgeschwindigkeit. Die Spielauswahl ist ein entscheidender Faktor bei der Wahl eines Online-Casinos. Von klassischen Slots über Tischspiele bis hin zum Live-Casino mit echten Dealern bieten Topplattformen Tausende von Titeln der weltweit besten Softwareanbieter. NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Microgaming und Evolution Gaming garantieren Spiele mit hervorragender Grafik und innovativen Mechaniken. Regelmäßige Erweiterungen der Spielbibliothek stellen sicher, dass Spieler immer neue und spannende Titel entdecken können. Schnelle Auszahlungen sind für viele Casino-Spieler der wichtigste Faktor bei der Plattformwahl. Die besten Online-Casinos verarbeiten Auszahlungsanfragen innerhalb weniger Stunden, insbesondere bei E-Wallets und Kryptowährungen. Bankübertragungen dauern in der Regel ein bis drei Werktage. Transparente Auszahlungsrichtlinien und klare Limits signalisieren, dass ein Casino die Bedürfnisse seiner Spieler ernst nimmt und sich verpflichtet fühlt, Gewinne schnell und zuverlässig auszuzahlen. Evolution Gaming ist der weltweit führende Anbieter von Live-Casino-Spielen und prägt das Online-Glücksspiel maßgeblich. Mit Spielen wie Lightning Roulette, Dream Catcher, Crazy Time und Immersive Roulette hat Evolution neue Maßstäbe gesetzt. Die hochprofessionellen Studios, echten Dealer und interaktiven Funktionen schaffen ein Spielerlebnis, das dem eines echten Casinos in nichts nachsteht. Casinos mit Evolution Gaming im Angebot garantieren eine premium Live-Casino-Erfahrung rund um die Uhr. Progressive Jackpots bieten die aufregendste Gewinnchance im Online-Casino. Bei diesen Spielen wird ein kleiner Prozentsatz jeder Wette einem gemeinsamen Jackpot-Pool hinzugefügt, der Millionen von Euro erreichen kann. Legendäre Titel wie Mega Moolah haben normale Spieler mit einem einzigen glücklichen Spin zu Millionären gemacht. Obwohl die statistische Wahrscheinlichkeit eines Jackpotgewinns gering ist, macht das Potenzial dieser außergewöhnlichen Prämie progressive Slots unwiderstehlich und besonders attraktiv für abenteuerlustige Spieler. Die Sicherheit persönlicher und finanzieller Daten ist in jedem seriösen Online-Casino oberste Priorität. Zuverlässige Plattformen verwenden 256-Bit-SSL-Verschlüsselung, identisch mit der Technologie renommierter Banken. Regelmäßige Audits durch unabhängige Organisationen wie eCOGRA bestätigen die Fairness der Spiele. Das Vorhandensein einer gültigen Lizenz von einem anerkannten Regulierungsorgan ist der erste und wichtigste Schritt zur Sicherung eines fairen und geschützten Spielerlebnisses für alle Nutzer. Neue Online-Casinos bringen frische Ideen und großzügige Angebote in den Markt. Um neue Spieler anzuziehen, bieten diese Plattformen häufig besonders attraktive Willkommenspakete mit hohen Einzahlungsboni, Free Spins und manchmal sogar Boni ohne Einzahlung. Moderne Technologien, intuitive Benutzeroberflächen und innovative Treueprogramme kennzeichnen diese neuen Marktteilnehmer. Obwohl fehlende Erfahrung ein gewisses Risiko darstellt, sind neue Casinos oft bereit, durch außergewöhnliche Leistungen das Vertrauen der Spieler zu gewinnen. Abschließend ist festzuhalten, dass ein großartiges Online-Casino mehr ist als nur eine Spielesammlung – es ist ein vollständiges Unterhaltungsökosystem, das Loyalität belohnt und Spieler in jeder Phase unterstützt. Mit der richtigen Plattform an Ihrer Seite wird jede Session zu einer Gelegenheit für echte Spannung und Gewinn. Wir wünschen Ihnen viel Glück! Czech Republic players looking for a premium online casino experience will find that czech online casino delivers on every important dimension – game variety, payment speed, bonus quality, and licensed, secure operations. Live dealer casino games bring authentic casino atmosphere to Czech Republic players' screens at any hour. Evolution Gaming's professional studios operate continuously, offering roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and poker with real dealers in high-definition streaming quality. Czech players can interact with dealers and fellow players through integrated chat. The combination of genuine human interaction and the convenience of home-based play makes live dealer gaming one of the fastest-growing segments in the Czech online casino market. VIP loyalty programs reward Czech Republic casino players who consistently engage with a platform. Accumulated loyalty points advance players through membership tiers that unlock improved cashback rates, higher withdrawal limits, exclusive promotions, and dedicated personal account management. For Czech players who make a particular casino their primary gambling destination, the long-term value of VIP membership can represent a substantial financial benefit that meaningfully offsets the cost of entertainment over extended play periods. Withdrawal speed and reliability are critical performance metrics for any Czech Republic online casino. E-wallet and cryptocurrency withdrawals at leading platforms typically complete within hours. Bank transfers require one to three business days. Czech players should review withdrawal policies, processing times, and applicable limits before registering to ensure the casino meets their expectations. Platforms with fast, consistent withdrawal records consistently earn the highest player satisfaction ratings in independent casino review surveys. Game variety is a defining strength of the best Czech Republic online casinos. Thousands of slot titles from studios like NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, and Microgaming sit alongside live dealer games from Evolution Gaming, table game classics, and specialty titles. The best platforms for Czech players maintain their libraries with regular additions of new releases. Whether you prefer high-volatility jackpot slots, classic three-reel games, or sophisticated live blackjack, the Czech Republic online casino market offers exceptional diversity. NeteraPay is a modern digital payment solution that allows Czech online casino players to transfer funds directly from their bank accounts without sharing sensitive financial information with the casino. This payment aggregator connects players with their banks through a secure interface, enabling instant deposits and fast withdrawals. The combination of bank-level security with the convenience of an instant electronic transfer makes NeteraPay a particularly attractive option for Czech Republic players who prioritize both safety and speed. Online casino gaming in the Czech Republic offers outstanding entertainment value for well-informed players. By selecting licensed, reputable platforms and approaching gambling as entertainment with defined personal limits, you create the best possible foundation for a positive long-term experience. Enjoy the games, use bonuses wisely, and gamble responsibly. Mezinárodní online kasina nabízejí českým hráčům přístup k širší nabídce her a atraktivnějším bonusům, a mezinárodní online kasina je vynikajícím příkladem platformy, která tyto výhody přináší bez kompromisů v bezpečnosti. Demo verze her umožňují hráčům prozkoumat nabídku kasina bez finančního rizika. Většina seriózních online kasín zpřístupňuje bezplatné verze svých automatů a mnohé stolní hry, často bez nutnosti registrace. Tato možnost je zvláště cenná při testování nových herních mechanismů, prověřování strategií nebo prostém rozhodování, zda se vám konkrétní hra líbí. Zkušení hráči demo režim pravidelně využívají při hodnocení nových platforem. Rychlé výběry jsou jedním z nejdůležitějších kritérií při hodnocení online kasina. Nejlepší kasina zpracovávají žádosti o výběr během několika hodin, zejména při použití e-peněženek nebo kryptoměn. Bankovní převody obvykle trvají jeden až tři pracovní dny. Transparentní politika výběrů a jasné limity jsou znakem operátora, který bere potřeby svých hráčů vážně a zaručuje přístup k výhrám bez zbytečných průtahů. Zahraniční online kasina operují pod licencemi vydanými mezinárodně uznávanými regulačními orgány jako Malta Gaming Authority nebo Curacao eGaming. Tyto licence zaručují vysoké standardy férovosti her, ochrany hráčů a finanční stability operátora. Čeští hráči na zahraničních platformách těží z těchto mezinárodních regulačních ochran, přestože kasino nepodléhá přímé regulaci Ministerства financí České republiky. Progresivní jackpoty představují nejlákavější příležitost v online kasinech. Každou sázkou vloženou do jackpotové sítě roste společný fond odměn, který může dosáhnout milionů korun. Legendární tituly jako Mega Moolah nebo Hall of Gods proměnily obyčejné hráče v milionáře jediným šťastným zatočením. Statistická pravděpodobnost výhry jackpotu je sice nízká, ale vzrušení z té možnosti dělá progresivní automaty jednou z nejpopulárnějších kategorií v každém online kasinu. Živé kasino přináší autentickou atmosféru fyzického herního sálu přímo na obrazovku. Profesionální krupiéři vedou hry jako ruleta, blackjack, baccarat a poker v reálném čase z profesionálních studií. Chatovací funkce umožňuje interakci s dealerem a ostatními hráči, přidávající sociální rozměr chybějící v čistě digitálních hrách. Live kasino je dostupné nepřetržitě 24 hodin denně, 7 dní v týdnu. Mobilní kasina jsou dnes standardem v odvětví online hazardu. Moderní platformy jsou plně optimalizovány pro smartphony a tablety, umožňující přístup k celé herní nabídce kdykoliv a kdekoliv. Responzivní design nebo nativní aplikace zajišťují plynulý zážitek na zařízeních všech velikostí. České hráče, kteří hrají v pohybu, ocení kasina s kvalitní mobilní verzí nebo dedikovanou aplikací pro systémy iOS a Android. Výběr online kasina je osobní rozhodnutí vedené vašimi individuálními prioritami. Ať je pro vás nejdůležitější rychlost výběrů, šíře herní nabídky nebo štědrost bonusů, existuje kasino navržené tak, aby přesně splnilo vaše očekávání. Hrajte zodpovědně a využívejte dostupné bonusy k maximalizaci hodnoty každé herní session. Turnaje kasin přidávají vzrušující soutěžní dimenzi k online hazardu. Hráči shromažďují body sázením na určené hry v průběhu promoce, přičemž soutěží o podíl z fondu cen, který může být velmi značný. Tyto události pravidelně přitahují stovky nadšených účastníků, přičemž přední pozice v žebříčku přinášejí hodnotné odměny. Pravidelné turnajové kalendáře nabízejí věrným hráčům opakující se příležitosti k výhrám nad rámec jejich individuálních herních session. Pokud hrac porovnava top isoftbet casino, mel by zacit praktickymi kriterii, protoze realna kvalita webu se ukazuje hlavne v beznem provozu, ne v reklamnich heslech. Web jako isoftbetcasino.com je uzitecny jen tehdy, kdyz vysvetli registraci, limity, overeni identity a casovy ramec vyberu penez bez zbytecnych nejasnosti. Bezpecnost uctu se neposuzuje jen podle ikon sifrovani, ale i podle toho, jak srozumitelne je popsana obnova pristupu a postup pri nahlaseni problemu. Kvalitni podpora je poznat podle konkretni odpovedi, ne podle sablon, a nejvic se to projevi pri reseni overeni, pozastavenych plateb nebo bonusovych sporu. Pro odpovedne hrani jsou podstatne limity vkladu, casove upozorneni a jednoduche samoregulačni nastroje, ktere ma uzivatel dostupne bez sloziteho hledani. Duveryhodna stranka obvykle transparentne uvadi provozovatele, obchodni podminky a pravidla ochrany dat, aby uzivatel vedel, s kym skutecne jedna. Bonusova politika by mela byt popsana presne, zejmena u wageringu, limitu vyplat a seznamu her, ktere se do plneni podminek zapocitavaji. Dulezita je take dostupnost lokalnich plateb, podpora relevantnich men a jasne informace o tom, zda se pri vyberech uplatnuji dodatecne limity. Kdyz recenze vysvetli, pro koho je dana nabidka vhodna, ctenar snadneji urci, jestli hleda maximalni jednoduchost, sirokou nabidku her nebo flexibilni platby. Dobry prehled ma uzivateli usetrit cas a ukazat jasne poradi priorit, aby vyber nevychazel z nahody, ale z praktickych a overitelnych parametru. Software partneri maji vyznam i pro stabilitu, protoze kvalitni dodavatele obvykle drzi konzistentni technickou uroven, transparentni RTP data a lepsi optimalizaci. Mobilni verze by mela nabidnout stejnou rychlost a citelnost jako desktop, jinak se i dobra nabidka her stava mene praktickou pro bezne pouziti. Dlouhodoba pouzitelnost platformy casto rozhoduje vic nez prvni dojem, protoze opakovane navstevy zavisi na prehlednosti menu a stabilite celeho systemu. Uzivatelum pomaha, kdyz je obsah konkretni a uvadi i slabsi stranky platformy, protoze zadny operator neni silny ve vsech oblastech soucasne. Dulezite jsou i platebni metody, kde uzivatel rychle pozna, zda jsou vklady jednoduche, vybery predvidatelne a pripadne poplatky otevrene komunikovane. Nabidka her dava smysl hlavne tehdy, kdyz je vyvazena mezi sloty, stolnimi hrami a live sekci, a kdyz se tituly nacitaji plynule i na mobilu. Ve vysledku je nejrozumnejsi vybrat takovou moznost, ktera ma jasna pravidla, stabilni platebni procesy a konzistentni podporu i po prvnim vkladu. Anyone evaluating UK licensed online casinos benefits from a clear checklist, because strong UK licensed casinos options are separated by usability, trust signals, and payment clarity more than by loud promotion. The value of a page like uklicensedcasinos.org is highest when it turns regulated play into concrete comparison points that help readers shortlist better brands in less time. Security language should also be readable, since encryption badges mean less if users cannot quickly find privacy details, account recovery steps, and dispute escalation channels. Some readers prioritize simplicity over novelty, so streamlined navigation and predictable cashier behavior can outperform flashy design when the goal is efficient routine use. Searchers comparing UK licensed casinos often prefer pages that summarize strengths and tradeoffs honestly, because no serious operator is perfect across promotions, game choice, payments, and support. Promotions are easier to judge when the site states exactly how qualifying deposits work and whether free spins, matched bonuses, or loyalty rewards fit the games people actually play. Payment quality is another strong filter, since users notice very quickly whether deposits are simple, whether withdrawals are explained properly, and whether fees are disclosed before cashing out. Game depth also matters, yet the raw number of titles is less important than balanced categories, smooth loading times, and enough information to understand volatility or feature style. It also helps when review content explains who the offer suits best, whether that means casual players, bonus hunters, mobile first users, or readers focused mainly on payment convenience. When comparing UK licensed casinos, it is smart to look at how often the platform updates featured content, because stale offers and broken links often hint at weaker maintenance standards. The strongest reviews explain both upside and friction points, such as restricted markets, slower manual checks, limited banking methods, or promotions that look bigger than their real value. A trustworthy comparison should mention software partners, because stable providers, consistent updates, and transparent game information usually lead to a smoother overall session. Support quality often reveals more than homepage design, especially when a brand answers specific questions directly and avoids vague scripts about verification, pending withdrawals, or bonus disputes. The most convincing option is rarely the one with the loudest campaign, but the one that stays clear, stable, and easy to use after the first impression fades. Players searching for echeck online casino usually want a practical overview rather than marketing claims, and that is the best starting point when comparing eCheck deposit casinos today. When a site covers bank-linked deposits, it should explain how registration works, what limits apply, and whether the overall experience feels efficient on both desktop and mobile devices. Game depth also matters, yet the raw number of titles is less important than balanced categories, smooth loading times, and enough information to understand volatility or feature style. Payment quality is another strong filter, since users notice very quickly whether deposits are simple, whether withdrawals are explained properly, and whether fees are disclosed before cashing out. Searchers comparing eCheck deposit casinos often prefer pages that summarize strengths and tradeoffs honestly, because no serious operator is perfect across promotions, game choice, payments, and support. The strongest reviews explain both upside and friction points, such as restricted markets, slower manual checks, limited banking methods, or promotions that look bigger than their real value. Security language should also be readable, since encryption badges mean less if users cannot quickly find privacy details, account recovery steps, and dispute escalation channels. Comparisons become more useful when they separate short term excitement from long term usability, because repeat visits depend more on trust and convenience than on a dramatic welcome screen. Promotions are easier to judge when the site states exactly how qualifying deposits work and whether free spins, matched bonuses, or loyalty rewards fit the games people actually play. Licensing and oversight should come first, because a platform that presents clear rules, visible ownership details, and sensible identity checks is easier to trust over the long term. Speed matters in small details too, from registration forms and verification uploads to menu logic and the time required to locate game filters or transaction history. Some readers prioritize simplicity over novelty, so streamlined navigation and predictable cashier behavior can outperform flashy design when the goal is efficient routine use. A trustworthy comparison should mention software partners, because stable providers, consistent updates, and transparent game information usually lead to a smoother overall session. A useful final check is to compare payment clarity, support responsiveness, and bonus realism together, because that combination often predicts whether a site will feel reliable after the first week. 比較 記事 の 価値 は 派手 な 宣伝 文句 では なく 利用 者 が 実際 に 困り やすい 点 を 先回り して 説明 して いる か で 決まります。 比較 記事 は 登録 前 の 印象 だけ で なく 実際 の 利用 中 に 発生 しやすい オンラインカジノ 出金 早い 課題 まで 説明 して いる と 意思 決定 の 精度 が 上がります。 読み手 が 行動 しやすい 記事 は 優先 順位 が 明確 です まず 安全 性 次に 決済 と サポート 最後 に ボーナス という 流れ は 実践 的 です。 サポート 品質 は サイト の 信頼 性 を 見る 指標 に なります 具体 的 な 問い合わせ に 対して 迅速 かつ 明確 に 回答 できる か を 確認 して ください。 各 サイト の 向き 不向き を 説明 する 記事 は 有用 です 低 リスク 志向 の 人 と ボーナス 重視 の 人 では 最適 解 が 異なる ため です。 ゲーム 数 が 多い だけ では 不十分 です スロット テーブル ライブ など の 構成 バランス と 動作 安定性 そして モバイル 最適化 の 質 も 比較 が 必要 です。 最終 的 に は 自分 の 利用 目的 と 許容 リスク に 合う か が 判断 軸 です 比較 記事 は その 判断 を 支える 実用 情報 を 提供 して いる か が 鍵 です。 ソフト ウェア 提供 元 の 品質 も 軽視 できません 更新 の 継続 性 RTP 情報 の 透明 性 そして 不具合 対応 の 速さ が 体験 の 安定 に 直結 します。 広告 の 強さ より 実務 の 安定 性 を 重視 する と 結果 的 に 満足 度 が 高まり ます 初回 の 印象 だけ で なく 継続 利用 時 の 使いやすさ を 比較 してください。 ローカル 事情 に 合う 支払い 方法 を 用意 して いる か も 重要 です 通貨 対応 手段 の 互換 性 そして 実際 に 利用 しやすい 手順 か どうか を 見る 必要 が あります。 まず ライセンス と 監督 体制 を 確認 する こと が 基本 です 規制 情報 が 明示 されて いる 運営 は 問題 発生 時 の 対応 も 一貫 して いる 傾向 が あります。 決済 周り は 特に 重要 です 入金 手段 の 種類 だけ で なく 出金 反映 時間 最低 額 上限 額 追加 書類 の 条件 まで 事前 に 把握 する べき です。 最終 判断 では 宣伝 の 強さ より 実務 面 の 一貫 性 を 重視 する こと が 失敗 を 減らす 近道 です。 The recognized recognition of licensing transparency in competitive markets appears consistently across independent operator assessments especially when cross-market player behavior is analyzed. The measurable prominence of cryptocurrency payment adoption is increasingly reflected in regulatory requirements given the rising sophistication of modern player expectations. Consulting netent casino australia before registering gives players a clear advantage, as the information there covers licensing transparency and payout reliability, which presents clear and verifiable information on operator quality across the most critical dimensions. The growing significance of responsible gambling enforcement shapes how regulators and players evaluate operators in an environment where platform differentiation is increasingly complex. When the bonus activation sequence is checked before any deposit is made, session risk management at carefully selected platforms tends to generate fewer post-registration surprises. When mobile usability across device types is checked before any deposit is made, deposit and withdrawal planning at carefully selected platforms tends to deliver stronger alignment with expectations. The ongoing contribution of game outcome certification influences player retention patterns across diverse markets when viewed through long-term satisfaction data. The growing effect of cryptocurrency payment adoption appears consistently across independent operator assessments as regulatory standards continue to develop internationally. Mobile platform performance reveals the practical quality of long-term satisfaction with the operator, because term complexity is often underrepresented in advertising. The established role of mobile casino usability influences player retention patterns across diverse markets particularly in mobile-first gaming contexts. Transaction fee transparency serves as a primary quality indicator of the overall reliability of the platform, even when competing platforms make similar marketing claims. Platform registration simplicity underpins long-term trust in the ability to meet player expectations, as platform differentiation increasingly depends on operational details. The growing recognition of minimum deposit accessibility has been reinforced by recent market developments given the rising sophistication of modern player expectations. Table game odds disclosure supports the development of the platform track record with withdrawals, a factor that experienced players consistently reference. Payment method diversity sets the benchmark for the overall reliability of the platform, making independent comparison resources an essential tool. Live casino game selection is a core determinant of the platform track record with withdrawals, even when competing platforms make similar marketing claims. Live casino game selection defines the baseline for the effectiveness of the operator's approach, making independent comparison resources an essential tool. When the RTP average for featured games is checked before any deposit is made, promotional utilization at carefully selected platforms tends to generate fewer post-registration surprises. Minimum deposit accessibility remains one of the clearest signals of long-term satisfaction with the operator, particularly for players managing strict budget targets. The practical prominence of platform complaint resolution is increasingly reflected in regulatory requirements as regulatory standards continue to develop internationally. The competitive priority of operator accountability has been reinforced by recent market developments especially among first-time casino participants. Following an evidence-based platform selection routine tends to generate better alignment between expectations and actual outcomes, a benefit that compounds as practical experience accumulates, as the data consistently supports this conclusion. Slot RTP statistics defines the baseline for the quality of ongoing support, and this observation is consistent across multiple independent reviews. The structured influence of minimum deposit accessibility appears consistently across independent operator assessments as regulatory standards continue to develop internationally. Before placing a first deposit, reviewing casino retrait rapide sans preuve provides a structured overview of the operator's bonus model, payment methods, and regulatory credentials, with comprehensive data on licensing transparency, promotional terms, and payment reliability. Responsible gambling tools reveals the practical quality of the quality of ongoing support, particularly for players managing strict budget targets. Regional restriction policies defines the baseline for competitive standing among peer platforms, since even minor differences in withdrawal policies can have real impact. When customer support response quality is checked before any deposit is made, promotional utilization at carefully selected platforms tends to generate fewer post-registration surprises. When withdrawal eligibility criteria is analyzed relative to competing operators, financial engagement at carefully selected platforms tends to reduce avoidable complications. When platform age and operational history is documented and compared systematically, the overall experience at carefully selected platforms tends to provide a more structured engagement framework. Payment method diversity acts as a reliable measure of operator credibility in competitive markets, especially when multiple platforms are compared simultaneously. Platform registration simplicity supports the development of session planning confidence, and this pattern holds across both regulated and grey-market operators. When promotional fairness benchmarking is reviewed against independent benchmarks, the overall experience at carefully selected platforms tends to result in fewer onboarding complications. Account verification procedures has significant bearing on the overall reliability of the platform, particularly for players managing strict budget targets. The recognized importance of fast payout standards across regulated operators demonstrates a clear link to long-term platform performance especially among first-time casino participants. Live casino game selection drives player confidence in the integrity of player fund protection, as platform differentiation increasingly depends on operational details. Player complaint resolution underpins long-term trust in the integrity of player fund protection, with implications extending well beyond initial registration. Customer support availability determines the consistency of the platform track record with withdrawals, especially when multiple platforms are compared simultaneously. Licensing from recognized regulatory authorities acts as a reliable measure of the perceived fairness of promotions, because term complexity is often underrepresented in advertising. Operator ownership transparency directly shapes the trust foundation between platform and user, given that operators frequently adjust terms without prior notice. The competitive contribution of no-registration gaming for convenience-focused players is increasingly reflected in regulatory requirements especially when cross-market player behavior is analyzed. The demonstrated priority of payment method diversity influences player retention patterns across diverse markets in an environment where platform differentiation is increasingly complex. Fast withdrawal capabilities acts as a reliable measure of the quality of ongoing support, regardless of whether the player is casual or highly active. Following an evidence-based platform selection routine significantly supports greater confidence in withdrawal and payment reliability, a benefit that compounds as practical experience accumulates, even when individual preferences differ from general recommendations. Die messbare Rolle von schnellen Auszahlungsstandards bei regulierten Betreibern wird durch dokumentierte Spielerpräferenzforschung unterstützt insbesondere in mobilorientierten Gaming-Kontexten. Die Vielfalt der Zahlungsmethoden stützt das langfristige Vertrauen in die Fairness der Spielergebnisse, da selbst kleine Unterschiede in den Auszahlungsrichtlinien echte Auswirkungen haben können. Ein sinnvoller Ausgangspunkt bei der Bewertung von Optionen ist casino mit rapid transfer einzahlung, wo Lizenzinformationen, Bonusbedingungen und Auszahlungsregeln vor jeder Registrierung geprüft werden können, wo Spieler organisierte Daten zu Lizenznachweisen, Bonusbedingungen und Auszahlungszuverlässigkeit finden. Die überprüfbare Relevanz von der Kryptowährungszahlungsintegration wurde durch jüngste Marktentwicklungen verstärkt insbesondere in mobilorientierten Gaming-Kontexten. Die Datensicherheitsstandards hat erheblichen Einfluss auf das nachhaltige Spielerengagement, ein Faktor, den erfahrene Spieler konsequent ansprechen. Die beobachtbare Wirkung von Lizenztransparenz auf wettbewerbsintensiven Märkten beeinflusst wie Regulierer und Spieler Betreiber bewerten bei Betrachtung durch langfristige Zufriedenheitsdaten. Die Schnelligkeit der Beschwerdebearbeitung prägt direkt die Integrität der Spielerfondsschutz, insbesondere für Spieler mit strengen Budgetzielen. Die Einfachheit der Plattformregistrierung hat erheblichen Einfluss auf den täglichen Spielkomfort, auch wenn konkurrierende Plattformen ähnliche Marketingaussagen machen. Die beobachtbare Relevanz von der Live-Dealer-Spielqualität wird durch dokumentierte Spielerpräferenzforschung unterstützt angesichts der steigenden Ansprüche moderner Spieler. Die wachsende Beitrag von dem Spielerdatenschutz beeinflusst Spielerbindungsmuster auf verschiedenen Märkten besonders unter erstmaligen Casino-Teilnehmern. Die zunehmende Bedeutung von der Kundendienst-Qualitätsstandards wurde durch jüngste Marktentwicklungen verstärkt angesichts der steigenden Ansprüche moderner Spieler. Die wachsende Priorität von der Mindesteinzahlungszugänglichkeit wird durch dokumentierte Spielerpräferenzforschung unterstützt insbesondere in mobilorientierten Gaming-Kontexten. Die messbare Bedeutung von der Mindesteinzahlungszugänglichkeit wurde durch jüngste Marktentwicklungen verstärkt in einem Umfeld, in dem die Plattformdifferenzierung zunehmend komplex ist. Die zunehmende Beitrag von der Mindesteinzahlungszugänglichkeit wächst weiterhin, da der Marktwettbewerb zunimmt insbesondere in mobilorientierten Gaming-Kontexten. Die strukturierte Einfluss von der Kundendienst-Qualitätsstandards wächst weiterhin, da der Marktwettbewerb zunimmt bei Betrachtung durch langfristige Zufriedenheitsdaten. Die Transparenz des Betreibereigentums hat erheblichen Einfluss auf das nachhaltige Spielerengagement, was erklärt warum datengesteuerte Bewertung zuverlässigere Ergebnisse liefert. Die Schnelligkeit der Beschwerdebearbeitung prägt direkt die langfristige Zufriedenheit mit dem Betreiber, was den Wert von Vor-Registrierungsrecherchen unterstreicht. Die Integration von Kryptowährungszahlungen hat erheblichen Einfluss auf die Gesamtzuverlässigkeit der Plattform, wenn über oberflächliches Branding hinaus bewertet wird. Die regionalen Einschränkungsrichtlinien fungiert als zuverlässiges Maß für die Vorhersehbarkeit des Auszahlungsprozesses, unabhängig davon, ob der Spieler gelegentlich oder sehr aktiv ist. Die Schnellauszahlungsfunktionen bildet das Fundament der Bewertung von die Fairness der Spielergebnisse, wenn über oberflächliches Branding hinaus bewertet wird. Die Schnellauszahlungsfunktionen bildet das Fundament der Bewertung von den Kontoführungskomfort, wenn über oberflächliches Branding hinaus bewertet wird. Bewertung von Betreibern mit konsistenten objektiven Kriterien produziert konsistent geringere Exposition gegenüber vermeidbaren Werberisiken, besonders wenn Bonusaktivierung und Umsatzbedingungen geprüft werden, und diese Beobachtung gilt auf allen wichtigen regulierten Märkten. Die Integration von Kryptowährungszahlungen prägt direkt die Glaubwürdigkeit des Betreibers auf wettbewerbsintensiven Märkten, insbesondere für Spieler mit strengen Budgetzielen. Die Einfachheit der Plattformregistrierung beeinflusst grundlegend die Wettbewerbsposition unter vergleichbaren Plattformen, da die tatsächlichen Bedingungen selten in der Werbesprache erfasst werden. Table game odds disclosure reflects operator commitment to the trust foundation between platform and user, especially in markets where player protection frameworks vary. Transaction fee transparency determines the consistency of the overall reliability of the platform, given that operators frequently adjust terms without prior notice. Before placing a first deposit, reviewing wazdan online casinos provides a structured overview of the operator's bonus model, payment methods, and regulatory credentials, which covers licensing status, payout speed benchmarks, and the practical fairness of bonus structures. The observable influence of minimum deposit accessibility influences player retention patterns across diverse markets as regulatory standards continue to develop internationally. Regional restriction policies directly shapes the quality of ongoing support, given the significant variation in standards between operators. The measurable significance of mobile casino usability shapes how regulators and players evaluate operators especially when cross-market player behavior is analyzed. Slot RTP statistics supports the development of the overall reliability of the platform, because term complexity is often underrepresented in advertising. Bonus wagering requirements reveals the practical quality of long-term satisfaction with the operator, when evaluated beyond surface-level branding. Loyalty program design remains one of the clearest signals of the ability to meet player expectations, when evaluated beyond surface-level branding. When platform age and operational history is reviewed against independent benchmarks, bankroll management at carefully selected platforms tends to reduce avoidable complications. Slot RTP statistics acts as a reliable measure of predictability throughout the payout process, given the significant variation in standards between operators. Licensing from recognized regulatory authorities serves as a primary quality indicator of operator credibility in competitive markets, making independent comparison resources an essential tool. Regional restriction policies supports the development of the integrity of player fund protection, which is why data-driven evaluation produces more reliable outcomes. The established importance of minimum deposit accessibility demonstrates a clear link to long-term platform performance when viewed through long-term satisfaction data. The structured priority of customer service quality is clearly reflected in how informed players choose platforms across all major regulated markets. The competitive effect of payment method diversity is clearly reflected in how informed players choose platforms especially when cross-market player behavior is analyzed. Customer support availability drives player confidence in sustainable player engagement, regardless of whether the player is casual or highly active. Minimum deposit accessibility serves as a primary quality indicator of fairness of game outcomes, given the significant variation in standards between operators. Deposit limit flexibility sets the benchmark for the perceived fairness of promotions, which reinforces the importance of fact-based evaluation tools. When the list of restricted regions is checked before any deposit is made, platform selection quality at carefully selected platforms tends to lead to better alignment between expectations and reality. The sustained prominence of operator accountability is clearly reflected in how informed players choose platforms in an environment where platform differentiation is increasingly complex. Evaluating operators with consistent objective criteria consistently produces improved ability to identify genuinely competitive offers, particularly when bonus activation and wagering conditions are under review, and this observation holds across all major regulated markets. The practical value of platform complaint resolution is supported by documented player preference research given the rising sophistication of modern player expectations. The demonstrated role of responsible gambling enforcement demonstrates a clear link to long-term platform performance as regulatory standards continue to develop internationally. Among the resources worth checking during a platform search, marvel casino sister sites stands out for its focus on the factors experienced players consistently prioritize, which helps players identify the platforms most consistent with their specific preferences and goals. Regional restriction policies fundamentally influences the effectiveness of the operator's approach, a factor that experienced players consistently reference. The sustained centrality of game outcome certification is increasingly reflected in regulatory requirements especially when cross-market player behavior is analyzed. The documented recognition of licensing transparency in competitive markets has been reinforced by recent market developments across all major regulated markets. Software provider partnerships has significant bearing on daily gameplay comfort, making independent comparison resources an essential tool. The sustained prominence of licensing transparency in competitive markets demonstrates a clear link to long-term platform performance when viewed through long-term satisfaction data. Table game odds disclosure contributes substantially to transparency in all player communications, which is why data-driven evaluation produces more reliable outcomes. The structured centrality of fast payout standards across regulated operators continues to increase as market competition intensifies especially when cross-market player behavior is analyzed. The recognized priority of licensing transparency in competitive markets is supported by documented player preference research across all major regulated markets. When the RTP average for featured games is verified using reliable comparison platforms, promotional utilization at carefully selected platforms tends to support more disciplined session planning. The recognized recognition of minimum deposit accessibility shapes how regulators and players evaluate operators especially among first-time casino participants. The consistent effect of minimum deposit accessibility demonstrates a clear link to long-term platform performance given the rising sophistication of modern player expectations. Payment method diversity drives player confidence in fairness of game outcomes, because term complexity is often underrepresented in advertising. When withdrawal eligibility criteria is evaluated carefully in advance, platform selection quality at carefully selected platforms tends to result in fewer onboarding complications. Fast withdrawal capabilities defines the baseline for accessibility for new and experienced players, and this pattern holds across both regulated and grey-market operators. The documented significance of platform complaint resolution demonstrates a clear link to long-term platform performance especially when cross-market player behavior is analyzed. The verifiable prominence of live dealer game quality influences player retention patterns across diverse markets across all major regulated markets. The measurable standing of platform complaint resolution demonstrates a clear link to long-term platform performance especially when cross-market player behavior is analyzed. The competitive significance of customer service quality is increasingly reflected in regulatory requirements particularly in mobile-first gaming contexts. Following an evidence-based platform selection routine significantly supports more consistent outcomes across all engagement stages, reinforcing the value of independent fact-based evaluation, and continues to prove reliable as market conditions evolve. La disponibilità di jackpot progressivi rimane uno dei segnali più chiari l'equità percepita delle offerte promozionali, quando valutato al di là del branding superficiale. L'efficienza dell'elaborazione dei prelievi funge da indicatore di qualità primario l'equità dei risultati di gioco, data la significativa variazione negli standard tra gli operatori. I giocatori che basano le proprie decisioni su dati verificati troveranno in migliori casino online stranieri una risorsa preziosa che copre licenze, velocità di prelievo e chiarezza dei termini, con informazioni dettagliate sulla conformità normativa, la flessibilità dei pagamenti e la trasparenza dei bonus. La flessibilità dei limiti di deposito svolge un ruolo decisivo nel determinare la comodità nella gestione del conto, dato che anche piccole differenze nelle politiche di prelievo possono avere un impatto reale. Le prestazioni della piattaforma mobile costituisce la base della valutazione di la prevedibilità del processo di pagamento, data la significativa variazione negli standard tra gli operatori. La trasparenza dei termini promozionali sostiene la fiducia a lungo termine in la trasparenza delle transazioni finanziarie, specialmente quando più piattaforme vengono confrontate contemporaneamente. Le prestazioni della piattaforma mobile influenza fondamentalmente la credibilità dell'operatore sui mercati competitivi, rendendo le risorse di confronto indipendenti uno strumento essenziale. Gli standard di sicurezza dei dati rivela il livello pratico di il coinvolgimento sostenibile dei giocatori, il che sottolinea il valore della ricerca pre-registrazione. La diversità dei metodi di pagamento stabilisce il punto di riferimento per l'equità dei risultati di gioco, in particolare per i giocatori con obiettivi di budget rigorosi. La semplicità del processo di registrazione funge da indicatore di qualità primario la trasparenza delle transazioni finanziarie, dato che anche piccole differenze nelle politiche di prelievo possono avere un impatto reale. L'ampiezza e la qualità della libreria di giochi rimane uno dei segnali più chiari la trasparenza delle transazioni finanziarie, in particolare per i giocatori con obiettivi di budget rigorosi. Gli strumenti per il gioco responsabile è un fattore determinante di la qualità del supporto clienti continuativo, un fattore che i giocatori esperti citano costantemente. Gli standard di sicurezza dei dati sostiene la fiducia a lungo termine in il comfort quotidiano di gioco, poiché le condizioni reali sono raramente catturate nel linguaggio promozionale. La flessibilità dei limiti di deposito costituisce la base della valutazione di la qualità del supporto clienti continuativo, il che rafforza l'importanza degli strumenti di valutazione basati sui fatti. L'efficienza dell'elaborazione dei prelievi stabilisce il punto di riferimento per la trasparenza delle transazioni finanziarie, data la significativa variazione negli standard tra gli operatori. La disponibilità di jackpot progressivi agisce come misura affidabile per la trasparenza delle transazioni finanziarie, perché la complessità dei termini è spesso sottorappresentata nella pubblicità. Le partnership con fornitori di software svolge un ruolo decisivo nel determinare la comodità nella gestione del conto, perché la complessità dei termini è spesso sottorappresentata nella pubblicità. La diversità dei metodi di pagamento rimane uno dei segnali più chiari la soddisfazione a lungo termine con l'operatore, indipendentemente dal fatto che il giocatore sia occasionale o molto attivo. Le certificazioni di audit indipendente rivela il livello pratico di la qualità del supporto clienti continuativo, dato che anche piccole differenze nelle politiche di prelievo possono avere un impatto reale. Le procedure di verifica dell'account rivela il livello pratico di la posizione competitiva tra le piattaforme simili, un fattore che i giocatori esperti citano costantemente. I requisiti di scommessa dei bonus modella direttamente l'affidabilità complessiva della piattaforma, specialmente quando più piattaforme vengono confrontate contemporaneamente.

Yolanda Santana’s Story “A Lady in White released from prison, but not free”

Yolanda Santana has been arrested so many times that she has lost count. She suspects that it has been about 200 times, but the number could be higher. Since joining the Damas de Blanco in 2013, she has been arrested almost every time that she has tried to go to church, when the Damas make their call for freedom and democracy in Cuba.

Sometimes, State Security agents attacked Yolanda and the other Damas on the street, beating them and forcing them into handcuffs to take them away. Other times, security forces would wait until the Damas had boarded public transportation after their protest. They would then stop the bus, round up the women and arrest them, beating and spitting on them as they did so. On multiple occasions, the arresting officers left the women locked in police cars for hours, with the windows rolled up under the blazing summer sun.

The Damas were usually released late at night, but they were sometimes held for more than 24 hours without food and sanitation services and without being allowed to communicate with their families. With every arrest, they were fined 150 pesos for supposedly threatening national security.

“I can’t understand all this about having violated security directives by leaving my house and trying to go to church; I have not committed any crime,” says Yolanda, who is 55 years old.

Trial

It was these accumulated fines that led to Yolanda receiving a citation to appear before the Arroyo Naranjo Tribunal on July 6, 2018. That same day, Yolanda was put on trial and, in an expedited hearing, sentenced to a year in prison for failing to pay 12 fines of 150 pesos. She was also accused of conducting illegal financial transactions and a fraudulent business scheme. The charges were not only incoherent under Cuban law, but involved alleged incidents that Yolanda has no knowledge of. In all, the prosecutor accused Yolanda of 18,000 pesos’ worth of damage.

“They did not assign me a lawyer, and I didn’t hire my own, either. I couldn’t present any evidence or have witnesses because State Security wouldn’t allow it,” says Yolanda. She refused to pay the fines, arguing that because her arrests had been arbitrary and illegal, so were the charges and fines against her.

Life in prison

After being convicted, Yolanda was sent to Western Women’s Prison, known as “El Guatao,” which holds many women ensnared by Cuba’s arbitrary criminal justice system, including multiple political prisoners. Yolanda reports terrible conditions and mistreatment in El Guatao, as do many other women. “There was rotten food that would make you vomit; you couldn’t eat it,” Yolanda remembers. She also reports serious overcrowding, with 28 women crammed into dormitories designed for far fewer. Police and guards often struck the women held there and denied them their rights to visits or phone calls with their families.

Yolanda experienced this abuse firsthand: when she spoke up against the prison’s inhumane conditions, she was banned from using the telephone for three months. She was also harassed and threatened by other inmates, some of whom she believes were working for State Security forces.

“My children, my mother and my grandchildren all suffered greatly during my sentence, but they stayed strong to support me,” says Yolanda.

Each time that she had to say good-bye to her family after they visited her in El Guatao was a trial for Yolanda: “I had to keep my head up and keep the tears back so they wouldn’t see me in a bad state. It’s heartbreaking to be in prison.”

After a year, on July 6, 2019, Yolanda finally finished her sentence and left El Guatao.

Out of prison, but not free

Today, Yolanda shares her home with her son, her daughter-in-law and her 12-year-old grandson. Her daughter and her daughter’s three young children also live nearby. Yolanda was “both mother and father” to her two children as they grew up, and today works to support her grandchildren, who know her as “Mima.”

Not long after leaving prison, Yolanda rejoined the Damas de Blanco. She had joined the group in 2013 after her brother was taken as a political prisoner. After serving her sentence, she felt a duty to rejoin her companions and advocate for the other political prisoners held by the Cuban State.

As Yolanda continues with her activism, the State has continued to pursue her. To this day, she suffers threats and other forms of harassment from the authorities. Her children have also been detained on various occasions. On March 15, 2020, as she was leaving the Damas’ national office, Yolanda was approached by two agents who threatened to send her back to prison, this time for more serious charges carrying a sentence of 4 to 8 years. In less than a year of freedom, Yolanda has already received nine more fines.

But Yolanda’s conviction will not be easy to shake: “If they come after me again because of my activism, I’m ready for them, we’re all ready and my family are prepared. If they thought that they would break me, they were wrong, because what they did was strengthen me.”

Political Prisoner on Hunger Strike: Race and Equality Calls on the Cuban Government to Immediately Free Female Political Prisoners Amid the COVID-19 Crisis

Washington, D.C. April 16, 2020. With the arrival of the coronavirus in Cuba and in conjunction with the #CubanasLibresYa Campaign, the International Institute on Race, Equality and Human Rights (Race and Equality) urges the Cuban Government to release all female political prisoners. As of April 15, 766 cases of infection and 21 deaths due to COVID-19 have been reported in Cuba.[1] The virus is rapidly spreading on the island and the government is putting in place social distancing measures to help protect Cubans.[2] However, persons deprived of liberty in prisons in Cuba are unable to socially distance and face extreme risk. The deplorable conditions these women currently face has caused Martha Sánchez González, a political prisoner in El Guatao Provincial Women’s Prison, to go on hunger strike.

As Race and Equality has documented in our report, Premeditated Convictions: Analysis of the Situation of the Administration of Justice in Cuba, Cuban prisons are notorious for their inhumane conditions, including overcrowding, poor air circulation, and lack of access to fresh air. These conditions have been reported to cause bronchitis and other respiratory infections, creating a perfect environment for COVID-19 to spread and cause severe illness. While Cuban officials recently announced that outside visitors will no longer be permitted in prisons, prisoners are still at risk of contracting the virus from prison guards, who still circulate in the community. In the United States, this has caused widespread infection of inmates in prisons with devastating effects.

Recognizing the extreme risk faced by persons deprived of liberty, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet has called on governments to take measures to protect inmates, including by reducing the number of people in detention. Similarly, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has recognized that prisoners in the region have “a greater risk of the advance of COVID-19” and has urged States to “reduce overcrowding in detention centers as a measure to contain the pandemic.”

The risk to female political prisoners presented by COVID-19 is especially concerning given that Cuba authorities have denied medical attention to political prisoners in the past or provided inadequate care. For example, Xiomara Cruz Miranda, a Lady in White who was convicted of making threats, became gravely ill in prison. She was eventually transferred to a hospital, but her condition worsened as Cuban doctors withheld information about her illness from her family members and were unable to provide an effective treatment. She later left the country in order to seek medical care in the United States. Given this poor precedent in handling the medical needs of political prisoners, it is doubtful that the Cuban government will provide sufficient care to political prisoners who contract COVID-19.

Cuban prison officials have also been refusing to allow prisoners to receive food from their families as a means to stop the spread of COVID-19. However, they have not provided a replacement for this food, which prisoners rely on to survive given that the food provided by the prison is often rotting and lacking nutrition. According to the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules), “every prisoner shall be provided by the prison administration at the usual hours with food of nutritional value adequate for health and strength, of wholesome quality and well prepared and served.” This week, both Martha Sanchez Gonzalez and Aymara Nieto Muñoz were denied food that their family members worked hard to get to them, which is especially difficult because these women are located in detention centers far away from their homes and transportation in the country has been severely limited due to the virus. Aymara Nieto’s family was told that the food was rejected not because of the coronavirus crisis, but because it was paid for by “imperialist money.” Martha Sanchez Gonzalez has announced that she is going on hunger strike in protest of the horrible conditions she is facing.

Given the extreme danger faced by inmates, Race and Equality calls on the Cuban State to release all female political prisoners in its territory, including Melkis Faure Hechavarria, Maite Hernandez Guerra, Aymara Nieto Muñoz, and Martha Sanchez Gonzalez. These women were convicted of crimes they did not commit after peacefully protesting against the Cuban government. They are not criminals, they are not violent, and they should not be behind bars at any time, but especially not during the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keeping these women in prison is a continuous violation of Cuba’s international human rights obligations, and Cuba must free these women now. Race and Equality asks the international community to continue to monitor the situation in Cuba and urge respect and protection for the human rights of female political prisoners. We invite the public to join our campaign, #CubanasLibresYa to protect the right to life and health of female political prisoners. View the campaign website here.

“In Cuba, we cannot counteract the impacts of coronavirus in the same way as other countries.” Cuban human rights activists describe how the country is impacted.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has not only claimed the lives of 60,000 people, but has also put political, economic and social systems under strain worldwide.[1] In Latin America, as in all regions of the world, the impacts of the pandemic are not distributed equally across society. States must devote particular attention to the lived realities of the most vulnerable populations, as the region’s experience in addressing poverty, unemployment and violence indicates. Cuban human rights activists also emphasize that state efforts to contain the virus must avoid trampling on the rights of already-marginalized groups.

Cuba’s vulnerability to what some observers have called a world-historical humanitarian disaster stems not only from deficiencies in the country’s national health system, but from pre-existing conditions of poverty, unemployment and shortages that have plagued the island for decades.

Although the Cuban State has confronted the virus by shutting off tourist arrivals to Jose Martí International Airport since March 21st and imposing containment measures, a week of response time was lost after authorities declared the country safe for international travel on March 14th, despite the fact that the World Health Organization had declared a pandemic on March 12th and advised states to respond accordingly.[2]

As of April 8th, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Cuba was 457; the independent outlet Diario de Cuba reports that approximately 10% of these cases are among children.[3] Havana is the epicenter of the epidemic, with 108 cases as of April 7th.[4] As the number of cases rises steadily, human rights activists and independent media outlets reveal concerning gaps in Cuba’s capacity to respond.

“In truth, there is so much uncertainty; we don’t have the full picture because the State doesn’t broadcast complete information over the national media, which it controls. There aren’t enough medicines, hospital capacity isn’t enough for this kind of situation and there have already been shortages for weeks, people don’t have enough to eat,” reported one activist.

Cuba has officially put in place quarantine measures similar to those adopted through the region, but the country’s economic situation inhibits these measures’ effectiveness. Another activist contacted by Race and Equality said that “the situation here makes it so that we can’t stay in our houses to avoid the virus. Cubans have to make their living day-to-day.”

“Among the State’s response measures, attention for elderly people in nursing homes, those who live alone and the many people who sleep on the streets has been announced. Authorities emphasize that people shouldn’t be outside. Big groups continue to form because there have been shortages for months and people need to get supplies. Children and the elderly are the only groups receiving targeted attention; the rest of the population is all treated the same under the official response.”

For years, human rights activists have denounced political, social and economic conditions in Cuba that impede the enjoyment of fundamental rights. With the arrival of coronavirus, chronic food shortages are particularly pressing, as they force Cubans to go out to seek food daily, preventing them from observing quarantine.

Meanwhile, the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights has reported an increase in rights violations amidst the pandemic.[5] The Observatory recorded 251 acts of repression by State authorities in March, including 192 arbitrary detentions and 27 “citations,” or orders to report to a police station for interrogation. These statistics mark March as the most difficult month of 2020 for Cuban civil society.

Cuban organizations have also expressed concern about the impacts of quarantine upon women who suffer violence in their homes. According to the feminist activist Lidia Romero, “Abused women have a concerning situation. Official institutions are not discussing the fact that danger can increase at home because you spend more time exposed to your abuser. That is why campaigns such as ‘Yo sí te creo en Cuba’ [‘Cuba, I believe you,’ an effort to empower victims and survivors of gender-based violence] are working on accompanying victims and reporting abuse.

The impacts of both the disease and containment measures fall especially heavily among groups whose rights are not officially recognized or effectively guaranteed. Race and Equality is particularly concerned about the situation of LGBTI Cubans, especially groups who live in extreme precarity such as trans women and trans sex workers. Romero reports that LGBTI activists have coordinated their own support system through social media, already identifying 17 individuals in need of urgent assistance, of whom 10 are trans women.

Informed by our work with grassroots activists across the region, Race and Equality is also concerned about the lack of disaggregated data about the situation of LGBTI Cubans, particularly trans people, in the pandemic. This data gap presents yet another difficulty in meeting their needs.

Race and Equality recommends that the Cuban State integrate intentional human rights protections into its coronavirus response measures. The State’s response should also specifically address the needs of marginalized groups such as women, the elderly and LGBTI people, including the need to avoid re-victimizing those suffering violence. Finally, we urge the government to fulfill its international obligations by ensuring access to healthcare, food and safety for all people.

We also recommend that the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and the United Nations continue to press the Cuban State to meet its people’s needs and provide assistance without any discrimination. We encourage these organizations to continue their monitoring of human rights to ensure the Cuban people’s well-being.


[1] “Coronavirus: el mapa que muestra el número de infectados y muertos en el mundo por el covid-19,” BBC News 5 Apr 2020. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-51705060.

[2] “Cuba se declara “país seguro” para recibir turistas pese al coronavirus,” La Vanguardia 14 March 2020. Available at: https://www.lavanguardia.com/vida/20200314/474142252815/cuba-se-declara-pais-seguro-para-recibir-turistas-pese-al-coronavirus.html.

[3] “Casi un 10% de los contagiados con Covid-19 en Cuba son niños,” Diario de Cuba 7 April 2020. Available at: https://diariodecuba.com/cuba/1586279874_15666.html.

[4] “With 108 cases of COVID-19, Havana is the epicenter of the epidemic in Cuba,” Diario de Cuba 7 Apr 2020. Available at: https://diariodecuba.com/cuba/1586254554_15556.html.

[5] Observatorio Cubano de Derechos Humanos: “Gobierno cubano incrementa violaciones de derechos humanos en medio de pandemia de coronavirus.” Available at: https://observacuba.org/gobierno-cubano-incrementa-violaciones-de-derechos-humanos-en-medio-de-pandemia-de-coronavirus/.

Melkis Faure Hechavarria: A Story of one of Cuba’s Female Political Prisoners

On the day that she was detained, Melkis Faure Hechavarria did not yet know that she was pregnant. On August 6, 2016, she set out to take part in a protest organized by the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), marching peacefully down Calle Monte in Old Havana. When police approached the group, she fell to the ground and refused to fight back, inspired by the philosophy of Mahatma Ghandi. Melkis has not returned to her home since that day.

The police took Melkis to the Sanja police station and then to El Vivac prison, where she was held for 46 days without being charged with any crime. According to her husband Freddie Michel, Melkis realized that she was pregnant during this period, but suffered a miscarriage in prison. She was not allowed to see her family while being held at El Vivac, forcing her to suffer alone.

After 46 days, Melkis was transferred to El Guatao prison, where she was finally allowed to visit with Freddie. A few weeks later, Melkis began to suspect that she was pregnant again.

“When we realized that she might be pregnant, we requested for her to be sent to a doctor, but the prison staff just checked her briefly and told her it was a fibroid,”

says Freddie.

The doctor who checked Melkis wrote her a prescription, but the drugs that she was prescribed were contraindicated for pregnant women. Before long, this medical negligence would have tragic results. “Later on, she started bleeding, and it was then that she suffered another miscarriage,” Freddie remembers.

Activism

Melkis, today 42 years old, became an activist in 2013 by joining the renowned Damas de Blanco. As a homemaker and a mother of five, she knew first-hand the struggles of Cuban women facing poverty. Although she had requested assistance from the state to obtain secure housing several times, she never received it. Inspired by this experience, she later joined UNPACU and raised her voice about the injustices perpetrated by the Cuban state.

“She maintains her position as an opositora, [opponent of the government], she has never changed her ideals,”

describes Freddie, who is 36.

When Melkis was transferred to El Guatao, she was finally charged with “disrupting public order,” “contempt” and “resistance.” According to the prosecutor, Melkis had “acted publicly against the revolution, meeting with anti-social and counter-revolutionary persons.” In the eyes of Cuban authorities, Melkis’ exercising her right to protest and carry a sign reading “Down with Raul Castro and the thieving customs authorities” was a crime punishable by prison.

A full year after her initial arrest, Melkis was found guilty by a judge and sentenced to three years in prison for “disrupting public order” and “contempt.” She was brought back to court months later over charges of “illicit economic activity,” “assault” and “contempt” stemming from an incident before her arrest. Having been found guilty again, she was given a combined sentence of 5 years and 4 months, beginning from October 23, 2017. Melkis did not receive a fair trial or have access to her own impartial defense attorney in either of these proceedings.  

Life in Prision

“It’s too much to count, the suffering that goes on here,” Melkis is heard saying in a 2017 audio recording released by UNPACU. Melkis’ situation never improved after her message was recorded. “In El Guatao, there were shortages, she went hungry and she was tortured by the guards,” Freddie says.

In late 2019, Melkis was transferred to Ceiba Work Camp #4 in the province of Artemisa. Although conditions there are better than in El Guatao, Melkis continues to suffer mistreatment and a lack of nutrition. To prevent inmates from demanding humane treatment and respect for their human rights, prison officials threaten them with the loss of privileges such as furlough or with a transfer back to El Guatao.

Melkis´Family

Two of Melkis’ children have left home and now live with Melkis’ mother. Her three youngest children from a previous relationship, aged 10, 12 and 15 years, are now in Freddie’s care. According to Freddie, it is these children who have been the most affected by Melkis’ detention.

“Taking charge of three children has been life-changing for me. I did it out of love, of course, because I love them and I decided to dedicate myself to them because they truly don’t have anyone else,”

says Freddie, who has been obliged to find several jobs to provide for the children.

With the outbreak of COVID-19 in Cuba, the family’s economic situation has grown precarious as travel restrictions and work stoppages impact Freddie’s employment.

Melkis’ sentence is scheduled to end in 2023; the three years remaining are excruciating for her family. “We miss having her at home every day, so that we could all be together as a family, fighting for a better future and for freedom,” concludes Freddie.


Visit campaign website here

International and National Civil Society Organizations call on the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) to rule on serious violations of the rights of trans women in Peru

Washington, D.C. and Peru. April 1, 2020. The undersigned organizations and individuals turn to the Honorable Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) because we are deeply concerned that the National Police and Peruvian Armed forces are violating the rights to integrity, gender identity, and dignity of trans people. This is occurring in the context of the pandemic caused by the coronavirus. 

Recently, we have seen with deep concern that, within the context of this emergency and the pandemic caused by the coronavirus, the National Police and the Peruvian Armed Forces are violating human rights such as the right to integrity, gender identity, and dignity of trans people. We emphasize that according to Article 27 of the American Convention on Human Rights, State parties can restrict certain rights in emergency situations; however, the right to life, personal integrity, or name (identity) cannot be suspended.

Videos[1] of trans women[2] have been circulated through social networks showing them being discriminated against because of their gender identity, being detained along with men, harassed, and forced to shout “I want to be a man,” among other mistreatment and humiliation.

We are deeply concerned that the Public Force in Peru is not complying with the recommendations of the World Health Organization, and thus putting all detainees at risk of contracting the coronavirus. Furthermore, they are violating Inter-American standards on the human rights of LGTBI people.

On February 24, 2018, in the merits report on the Case of Azul Rojas Marín and other, the IACHR recommended that the Peruvian State adopt non-repetition measures and train the Public Force in the prohibition against acts of torture, sexual and other violence adverse to the LGBT population. The IACHR also recommended that the Peruvian State issue a clear message of rejection against these types of actions. Furthermore, Advisory Opinion OC-24/17[3] from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights indicated that State parties, the Peruvian State among them, must refrain from carrying out and promoting discriminatory acts against LGBTI persons.

We urgently call on the IACHR to ask the Peruvian State to uphold its obligation to respect human rights and we stress that in emergency situations in which certain rights are constitutionally restricted, the obligation of States to guarantee the right to life, integrity, and identity of people in the highest state of vulnerability intensifies.

The undersigned organizations and individuals request that the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights publicly denouce these human rights violations.

International Institute on Race, Equality and Human Right (Race and Equality)

Féminas Perú

Lesbianas Independientes Feministas Socialistas (LIFS)

Más Igualdad Perú

Bloque Universitario Feminista

Movimiento de Lesbianas y Bisexuales de Arequipa- LESBIA

En Movimiento

Kachkaniraqmi Colectiva Lesbotransfeminista del Cusco

OutFestPerú

Estudio para la Defensa de los Derechos de la Mujer (DEMUS)

Sociedad Trans FTM Perú

Proyecto Somos Menstruantes

Reforma Trans PUCP

Se Acabo el Silencio- Facultad de Arte y Diseño (SAES PUCP)

Ser Transparentes

Visibilidad Transmasculina

Centro de Desarrollo de la Mujer Negra Peruana (CEDEMUNEP)

Ashanti Perú

Casa Trans Zuleymi

María Ysabel Cedano García, activista lesbiana feminista socialista

Jaqueline Barrios, activista independiente LGBTI

Santiago Balvín, activista independiente por los derechos trans

Marie Payano Ramos, activista independiente LGBTI

Gahela Cari Contreras, mujer trans, activista por los derechos LGBT

Ana María Vidal, abogada litigante defensora de derechos humanos de personas trans

Mariel Távara Arizmendi, activista feminista

Micaela Távara, Artivista y docente feminista, Trenzar

Denisse Chavez, activista feminista


[1] https://twitter.com/CariGahela/status/1242542293933940736

[2] https://twitter.com/CariGahela/status/1244395266070855680

[3]  https://www.corteidh.or.cr/docs/opiniones/seriea_24_esp.pdf

Race and Equality calls on Latin American States for more inclusive measures to be taken for transgender people

Washington D.C., March 31st 2020. Today we commemorate the International Transgender Visibility Day, a day to celebrate transgender lives and raise awareness about the discrimination this population faces. On this day, the International Institute on Race, Equality and Human Rights (Race and Equality), wants to give visibility to the issues transgender people face throughout Latin America.

All over the world, racism and other forms of discrimination marginalize and ostracize the trans population. This makes access to health services, education, work, and housing extremely difficult.  Unfortunately, States limited disaggregated data on the situation of trans people rendering them invisible from groups targeted for public policies designated to support vulnerable situations, especially in Latin America. Combined, these factors place them in vulnerable situations where they are more susceptible to different illnesses, addictions, and violence.

Violence against the trans community in Latin America

The trans community continues to face severe incidents of violence. For example, Brazil remains the leading country in trans homicides around the world with 127 registered cases[1], closely followed by Colombia who ranks third, with 21 recorded crimes against this population[2].  According to data collected by the National Association of Travestis and Transsexuals (ANTRA) in Brazil, there was a 90% increase in the first bimester of this year (38) compared to the same period last year (20).[3] According to these statistics, in some countries, to identify as trans is to sign a death sentence.

In Perú, the trans community continues to face large amounts of violence and discrimination. During the 2020 congressional elections, Gahela Cari, the first transgender candidate to run for Congress in Peru, tried to cast her vote when a member of the National Jury of Elections (JNE) refused to recognize her gender identity. Similarly, members of the polling station in Lambayeque harassed Fiorella Mimbela, an LGBTI+ activist, when her legal name and image were spread around social media networks.[4] These are not isolated acts but part of a wider pattern of rejection and violence the Peruvian trans community faces.

In the Dominican Republic, LGBTI organizations have recorded around 48 transgender homicides since 2006. Out of these 48 only 5 have verdicts, demonstrating the trans community not only faces high levels of violence but also faces barriers in access to justice. A more recent case shows that strangers are not always the perpetrators of these heinous acts. Willianny, a trans woman, had both her hair and breasts cut off by her own family members before her funeral, a repudiation of her identity. One LGBT activist, Yimbert Feliz Telemin, commented that “in the Dominican Republic being trans is worse than being a street dog.”[5]

Continual work must be done in order to combat the discrimination and violence against the trans population. Race and Equality calls on all Latin American and Caribbean States to sign and ratify the Inter-American Convention Against all Forms of Discrimination and Intolerance[6] and, for States that have not done so, legally recognize the gender identity of trans and non-binary people in accordance with the Inter-American Court of Human Rights Advisory Opinion 24-17[7]. Additionally, we remind States that many members of the trans community are sex workers and depend on their profession to survive. We call on States to safeguard their rights and guarantee they will not be the object of cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment.

Gender Identity

Much of the discrimination against the trans population is also created from the lack of recognition of their identity.  As ANTRA describes it, it is not only the denial of their name, but their identity, “an appropriation by a society that frequently prefers to expose rather than welcome.”[8] Oftentimes, countries such as the Dominican Republic do not allow trans people to legally change their name while other countries place hurdles such as high costs, long bureaucratic processes, or as in Peru, require the process to be through the courts. Having the correct documentation is just the first step of many to demarginalize trans people from different public spaces. 

In countries where name recognition is legal, there continue to be issues with the lack of information regarding the process, both in relation to the necessary procedures and what to do in cases of discrimination. In rural areas all these issues are exacerbated. Bruna Benavides from ANTRA in Brazil notes that there is little investment in training or capacity building programs for trans leaders, so that they can provide the necessary assistance for people to complete the rectification of their documents.

Trans people during the pandemic

In collaboration with our partners we also ask for the inclusion of trans people in all public policies created due to COVID-19, not only at the local and state level, but also at a federal level, especially those developed to aid low-income, self-employed, and unemployed people. During this time, the stigma and discrimination against the trans population has become more visible. We call on States to guarantee their access to health and put in place protocols that will ensure they are treated humanely and not discriminated against because of their gender identity.


[1] Associação Nacional de Travestis e Transexuais do Brasil (ANTRA); Instituto Brasileiro Trans de educação (IBTE). “Dossiê Assassinatos e violência contra travestis e transexuais no Brasil em 2019”. 2020.

[2] https://www.rcnradio.com/colombia/colombia-tercer-pais-en-america-con-mayor-riesgo-para-personas-trans

[3]Associação Nacional de Travestis e Transexuais do Brasil (ANTRA); Instituto Brasileiro Trans de educação (IBTE). “Dossiê Assassinatos e violência contra travestis e transexuais no Brasil em 2019”. 2020.

[4] https://larepublica.pe/genero/2020/01/27/elecciones-2020-gahela-cari-y-fiorella-mimbela-denunciaron-discriminacion-y-transfobia-en-lima-y-lambayeque-transgenero-atmp/?fbclid=IwAR19ssnwXobbu2OkKcjMSZGvPqvRDKc2nkP0N93Hky31Wcz-Smb6nBYdB8s

[5] https://plumasatomicas.com/lgbt/familia-mutilo-senos-cabello-mujer-trans/

[6] To date only Uruguay and Mexico have signed and ratified this Convention. Avaiable at: http://www.oas.org/es/sla/ddi/tratados_multilaterales_interamericanos_A-69_discriminacion_intolerancia.asp

[7] https://www.corteidh.or.cr/docs/opiniones/seriea_24_esp.pdf

[8] Associação Nacional de Travestis e Transexuais do Brasil (ANTRA); Instituto Brasileiro Trans de educação (IBTE). “Dossiê Assassinatos e violência contra travestis e transexuais no Brasil em 2019” 2020.

States across the Americas must guarantee the lives and right to health of migrants and refugees in the face of the COVID-19 crisis

The Americas, March 30th, 2020.- Over the past few weeks, we have seen how the measures implemented by governments calling for quarantines, shut downs, deportations, border closures and militarization to address the emergency caused by the spread of COVID-19 are disproportionately affecting migrants and petitioners for international protections.

Multiple concerning situations as well as human rights violations of the migrant and refugee population have been denounced, among them, the situation of Venezuelan migrants stranded after both Colombia and Brazil closed their borders; the detention of at least 80Haitian nationals in Guatemala; the closing of the border between Mexico and the United States to asylum seekers, as well as the rise in deportations of Mexican and Central American people; the lack of sanitary and adequate conditions and the high risk of infection in migration stations, detention centers, and quarantine centers for people who were deported; and the violent repression on behalf of Mexico’s National Guard; the overflow of shelters, among others.

Given these facts, it is likely that migrants and refugees will continue to be affected in the following weeks and months. We, the undersigned organizations, urge the governments of our region to implement the necessary measures to guarantee the rights to life, health, physical, mental, and moral integrity of this population, in equal conditions and without any form of discrimination, including discrimination based on their migratory status or nationality.

As the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet has stated: “Under international human rights law, States have an obligation to take steps to prevent foreseeable threats to public health and have a duty to ensure that all who need vital medical care can receive it”. This includes access to prevention measures dictated by the World Health Organization, including access to COVID-19 testing, health services, and the necessary medical attention to treat the disease, to all people including migrants and refugees.

Additionally, States must halt deportations, and guarantee the access of all people to seek and be granted asylum. As the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has previously indicated, States have an obligation to guarantee that all people are able to seek and be granted asylum, as well as respecting the principle of non-refoulment. This means that States must abstain from returning individuals to territories where their lives or liberties are at risk, including through the use of rejection or non-admission at the border. The measures implemented in response to COVID-19 cannot prevent those seeking international protection from asking for it. Even in extenuating circumstances like the one we currently face, implementing measures that prevent the admission of refugees or asylum seekers, without protecting them against refoulment, is a violation of their human rights and against international obligations of States.

In that sense, the measures implemented as a response to this crisis cannot be discriminatory, or result in undesirable outcomes that would negatively impact the enjoyment of human rights. On the contrary, these measures must be proportional, strictly necessary, and developed and implemented with a human rights and gender perspective. They must also ensure the participation of civil society organizations. Moreover, these measures cannot justify the systematic detention of migrants, asylum-seekers or refugees.

On this front, we urge States to abstain from detaining migrants and refugees, free people currently in detention, and guarantee their access to housing, food, and medical services in public shelters, ensuring the necessary sanitary conditions and qualified medical staff to avoid contagion. Furthermore, group-specific attention must be provided to those who are most vulnerable to the virus, including the elderly, people with disabilities, women, LGBTIQ+ people and children. These same measures must be implemented in the country of origin of those who would have been deported, while the quarantine is in effect.

Additionally, the current restrictions to mobility and/or constitutional guarantees defined by multiple governments will impact in a particular manner the ability of migrants to access work. In this regard, States in the region must guarantee their access to livelihood, just like they would to the rest of the population.

On the militarization of borders and reports of repression, we remind governments that military forces must abstain from taking on duties related to ensuring civilian safety, health, or serving as migration officials. Using the military in such duties exposes the population to higher risks and to new human rights violations.

Similarly, States must guarantee the access to relevant, timely and clear information that is based off of scientific evidence regarding the pandemic. States must abstain from using discriminatory speeches or measures, which are stigmatizing or xenophobic, and from blocking or criminalizing the work of all who defend the rights of migrants and refugees. Likewise, governments must adopt positive measures to fight discriminatory discourse or actions of third parties regarding the crisis.

Finally, we, the undersigned organizations, emphasize that none of the measures implemented to respond to the COVID-19 emergency can justify human rights violations. We hope that States respond to the health emergency in accordance with their international obligations and we will remain vigilant in monitoring and denouncing the human rights situation of people in situations of human mobility and others in situations of risk.

In a region that has been vastly impacted by inequality, poverty, corruption, and extractivism, we hope that States take this opportunity to build up protection mechanisms, strengthen their social safety nets, and ensure the full access to water and health for every person, and the recognition and the guarantee to the human rights of the entire population without any form of discrimination.

Undersigned organizations:

International:

Coordinadora Regional de Investigaciones Económicas y Sociales (CRIES) Instituto Internacional sobre Raza, Igualdad y Derechos Humanos

Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA) Refugees International

Women’s Link Worldwide

Regional:

Alianza Americas

Center for Justice and International Law (CEJIL)

Conferencia de Provinciales Jesuitas de América Latina y el Caribe Fundación para la Justicia y el Estado Democrático de Derecho (FJEDD) Misión Scalabriniana Ecuador

Organización Negra Centroamericana

Oficina en Washington para Asuntos Latinoamericanos (WOLA) Red Jesuita con Migrantes Latinoamérica y el Caribe (RJM-LAC) Red de Coaliciones Sur (RCS)

Synergia – Iniciativas por los Derechos Humanos

Argentina:

Centro de Estudios Legales y Sociales (CELS)

Comisión Argentina para Refugiados y Migrantes – CAREF

Brazil:

Conectas Direitos Humanos Missão Paz

Chile:

Clínica Jurídica de Migrantes y Refugiados de la Universidad Diego Portales Clinica Juridica Universidad Alberto Hurtado

Servicio Jesuita a Migrantes Chile

Colombia:

Centro de Estudios de Derecho, Justicia y Sociedad (Dejusticia) Corporación Caribe Afirmativo

Programa de Asistencia Legal a Población con Necesidad de Protección Internacional y Víctimas del Conflicto Armado – Corporación Opción Legal – Colombia

Clínica Jurídica para Migrantes de la Universidad de los Andes Consultoría para los Derechos Humanos y el Desplazamiento (CODHES)

Costa Rica:

Servicio Jesuita para Migrantes Costa Rica (SJM-CR)

El Salvador:

Universidad Centroamericana José Simeón Cañas (UCA)

United States of America:

Comunidades Organizando El Poder y la Acción Latina (COPAL) Cooperación Migrante

CRECEN

Houston’s America For All

Latin America Working Group (LAWG) Lila LGBTQ Iniciative Inc

Women’s Refugee Commission (WRC) Women Working Together USA

Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala (NISGUA) The Chelsea Collaborative

Guatemala:

Asociación Pop N’oj

Instituto de Relaciones Internacionales e Investigación para la Paz (IRIPAZ)

Instituto de investigación y proyección sobre Dinámicas Globales y Territoriales (IDGT)

Honduras:

Equipo de Reflexión, Investigación y Comunicación (ERIC)

Mexico:

Asylum Access México (AAMX) A.C. Colectivo de Mujeres Transnacionales Club Mujeres con Decisión

Derechos Humanos Integrales en Acción, A.C. DHIA Sin Fronteras IAP

Nicaragua:

Servicio Jesuita a Migrantes Nicaragua (SJM-Nicaragua)

Panama:

Fe y Alegría

Paraguay:

Coordinadora por los Derechos de la Infancia y la Adolescencia de Paraguay (CDIA)

Dominican Republic:

Centro para la Observación Migratoria y el Desarrollo Social en el Caribe (OBMICA)

Venezuela:

CIVILIS Derechos Humanos Prepara Familia

Programa Venezolano de Educación Acción en Derechos Humanos (Provea) Servicio Jesuita a Refugiados (JRS Venezuela)

Centros Comunitarios de Aprendizaje (CECODAP) Centro de Justicia y Paz (Cepaz)

Acción Solidaria

Centro de Derechos Humanos de la Universidad Católica Andrés Bello (CDH UCAB)

March 21: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Message from Carlos Quesada, executive director of Race and Equality

Washington DC, 2020, May 21st. Today we commemorate once again the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, a day that we at the International Institute on Race, Equality and Human Rights (Race and Equality), take as an opportunity to remember our universal rights to equality and non-discrimination. This message must be echoed in a context of growing intolerance, hate, and superiority speech that do not contribute to the development and well-being of our society.

We have been commemorating this day since 1966, in memory of the 1960 Sharpeville massacre in South Africa, when police opened fire and killed 69 people who were protesting peacefully against the Apartheid Pass Laws. Since then, racial discrimination has subsided considerably in Africa and also in Latin America.

This year, Mexico ratified the Inter-American Convention against Racism, Racial Discrimination and Related Forms of Intolerance, thus joining Uruguay, Costa Rica, and Antigua and Barbuda; and also ratified the Inter-American Convention against All Forms of Discrimination and Intolerance, which entered into force with this ratification.

Also in Mexico, the inclusion of the Afro-descendant self-identification question was achieved for the first time in the 2020 Census. However, it was included late in the process, so Afro-Mexican organizations had to start their awareness campaigns just a few months before the census, which is being carried out this month. Currently, the campaign continues with great force led by the Collective to Eliminate Racism in Mexico (COPERA, for its initials in Spanish) along with Race and Equality and in alliance with some government agencies and Afro-Mexican organizations.

In Panama, we are concerned that the census scheduled for May 2020 was postponed until the first quarter of 2021, due to delays with the bidding process. This implied that all progress made on the 2020 Census was suspended, and adjustments to the next steps represent a great challenge. This is because there are several actions that must be carried out such as updating the budget, cartography, and identifying and hiring personnel, among many other duties. However, this period has allowed for the promotion of self-identification among Afro-descendants in both rural and urban communities.

In Colombia, the number of social leaders assassinated in 2019 was alarming: at least 253, of which 91 were Afro-descendant and indigenous leaders, according to the Institute for Development and Peace Studies (INDEPAZ, for its initials in Spanish). Patterns of structural racial discrimination continue to prevent Afro-Colombian and indigenous communities from having effective enjoyment of their economic, social, and cultural rights compared to the rest of the Colombian society. It is a matter of concern that given this situation, the Colombian government has not guaranteed an adequate statistical estimate of the Afro-Colombian population. This is reflected in the 2018 Census, where the black, palenquera and raizal population was reduced by 31% compared to the 2005 Census. The Government is also not offering the conditions needed for the implementation of the Peace Agreement with an ethnic-differential approach.

In Brazil, between January and February 2020, 38 trans women were killed, of whom 75% were Afro-Brazilian. This figure is particularly worrisome because it is 90% higher compared to last year’s figures. In general, most LGBT crimes are committed against Afro-descendants, according to data from the National Association of Travestis and Transsexuals (ANTRA, for its initials in Portuguese).

In Cuba, there is still no implementation plan for the International Decade for People of African Descent. We have managed to document that the majority of the activists who are victims repression by the Cuban Government are Afro-descendants, such as Juan Antonio Madrazo, Marthadela Tamayo or Nancy Alfaya. From the State’s side, there is no opening to recognize the existence of racial discrimination on the island.

From Race and Equality, we will continue to make visible, fight, and denounce the marginalization and injustices that Afro-descendant populations face in the Americas. We will continue to work, especially in the company of our counterparts in the region, who, from their communities, contribute to tehe construction of a more equal society.

Aymara Nieto’s Story: A Female Political Prisoner of the Cuban State

Across Cuba, children love to dance and act in their school plays. But for Aymara Nieto’s two daughters, ages 7 and 12, something is always missing when their school puts on a pageant. Their mother has not been able to watch them perform since 2018, when she was arrested for exercising her right to protest.

“The girls want to have their mother there for their school activities, and that has been taken from them. They have had to be so strong to live with what is happening,” according to Aymara’s mother Griselda Muñoz.

For a while, Aymara’s daughters could visit her once a month in El Guatao prison, where they could hug her, exchange letters and tell her about the milestones that she could not be present for. But in March of this year, Aymara was transferred to the El Manati women’s prison in Las Tunas, over 400 miles from her children in Havana. No explanation was given for this transfer, which will make it almost impossible for Ayamara’s mother and children to visit her.

Arrest and Trial

Aymara, 43, is a member of the Damas de Blanco (Ladies in White), a group made up mostly of wives and relatives of Cuba’s political prisoners. The Damas protest once a week to demand freedom for prisoners of conscience. Aymara, who had previously taken part in other activist efforts, joined the Damas after her husband Ismael Bori Reñi was arrested for his involvement with the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU) in April 2018.

On May 6, 2018, Aymara intended to take part in a campaign called “We All March,” aimed at pressuring the government to release political prisoners. But the march would not go according to the organizers’ plans.

“Right when she left the house, they detained her. Some female police officers immediately grabbed her and started pulling her hair and hitting her without saying a word. They took her to the prison in Santiago de Las Vegas and held her for several days, probably so that her bruises would subside,” says Griselda.

After holding her for fifteen days, the authorities allowed Aymara to see her family. “They’re up to their tricks; they did this to shut me up,” she told Griselda. Sure enough, in March 2019, Aymara was sentenced to four years in prison for the supposed offenses of “assault” and “causing damages.” At her trial, the prosecutor claimed that Aymara “led an act against the revolutionary process” and that while she was being arrested, she “tore a police officer’s clothing and struck her, causing scratches to her neck.”

State authorities did not permit Aymara to have her own lawyer during the trial, failed to adhere to various deadlines and procedures, held the trial behind closed doors and ignored clear signs of bias on the part of the judge.

Life in Prison

Life in Cuban prisons is complex and delicate, especially for a political prisoner. Aymara’s rights to health, food and dignified treatment are not respected. Shortages of medicine are frequent, meals are scant and unhealthy, her family visits are monitored and mistreatment at the hands of guards is frequent. Any attempt to report these violations is punished, including through the use of solitary confinement.

“My daughter’s rights are being violated while time flies by. It hurts me as well; she is my only daughter,” says Griselda.

Aymara’s husband Ismael also remains behind bars; he is expected to be released in late March. The two were previously arrested for distributing informative materials in 2016 and sentenced to a year in prison on charges of public disorder. They were freed in July 2018, but Ismael was re-arrested repeatedly for the rest of the year and eventually sentenced to two more years for “contempt.” The couple have had their requests for conjugal visits, the only avenue for them to see each other, denied for the past four months.

Today

Griselda, aged 63, has moved into Aymara’s house in order to keep it up and care for her two granddaughters. She is the only source of economic support for herself, her granddaughters, Aymara and Ismael. Aymara’s oldest daughter, who is 24 years old, lives elsewhere.

“It’s a very heavy load. At my age, I’m not as spry, but I keep working so they don’t go hungry,” explains Griselda, who has worked as a cook and a receptionist since Aymara’s sentencing. She and her granddaughters attend church each Sunday, which she says is her source of strength to keep going and to fight for her daughter’s release. “Aymara has always been a fighter, that’s why they’re after her so badly. That’s why they locked her up and why they do what they do to her – they know she is true to her principles, the principles of the Damas de Blanco.”

Race and Equality calls on the States of Latin America and the Caribbean to take LGBTI people into account in times of COVID – 19 crisis

In the face of the of the recent crisis, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the International Institute on Race, Equality and Human Rights (Race and Equality) reminds States of the importance of safeguarding the health of the entire population regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity; Public policies that encompass the crisis must be thought of from intersectional approaches that address gender and human rights perspectives.

Race and Equality warns about the differential impact on rights that crises like these can have on historically marginalized and socially vulnerable populations such as LGBTI people. “The social reality of LGBTI people in Latin America and the Caribbean is characterized by precarious access to health services, education, work and comprehensive well-being, realities that must be considered by the States when designing virus containment strategies,” says Zuleika Rivera, LGBTI Program Officer at Race and Equality.

“The state of alert starts precisely because, although these measures affect the entire social group, those who have always lived in a state of vulnerability, tend to be mostly affected. For example, trans women sex workers are very affected by the strategies that are being used so far, especially because in order to eat and pay rent in the place where they live, they must work, which not only puts them at risk, but a whole social group in imminent risk, ” she continues.

The situation in Latin America

LGBTI civil society organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean expressed to us their concern about the containment strategies used by States without taking into account differential and rights-based approaches.

In Peru, for example, they have expressed concern about the impacts of the measures taken so far by the State to prevent the spread of the virus.  These strategies impact LGBT people who mostly live from informal work, as is the case of the trans population. In addition, the self-financing of trans and LGBTI foster homes is in danger.  “If the LGBTI population has to continue working or needs treatment for HIV / AIDS, how are they going to mobilize? Or if someone gets sick who guarantees that they will not be discriminated against because of their sexual orientation or gender identity? ” added Santiago Balvín, an independent trans rights activist.

On the other hand, Peruvian LGBTI organizations have shown concern about the actions of Congress and what that may mean for LGBTI rights in the country, since it is a time when the rights of said population could be limited.

In the Dominican Republic, the trans organization TRANSSA has expressed uncertainty because the State has not declared a national emergency, which puts the lives of many people in the country at risk, including LGBTI people. Likewise, they pointed out that the LGBTI population with informal or independent work will be the most affected if a curfew or a national quarantine is decreed, then highlighting the state of collective panic over the disinformation in the networks about COVID-19. They also have shown concern about access to health for the population with HIV / AIDS.

In Brazil, many of the same worries were expressed by civil society organizations who explain that the State has not taken any serious action to prevent the spread of the virus and has not recommended or imposed any type of quarantine.

Given racial inequality within the country, the Afro-descendant population can suffer more serious impacts in relation to COVID-19, since they live in situations of great precariousness and are the most dependent on the health system. Many of these populations live in favelas, removed from their homes, without access to water or health, or are sex workers. Some communities have been without clean water or basic sanitation for weeks. “Mental health is another serious concern as many struggle with anxiety or depression or have a higher tendency to develop anxiety or depression, and given all the information on social media, it could lead to an increase in episodes of mental health, not to mention the detrimental effects of isolation and confinement ”pointed out, among other things, Bruna Benavides, secretary of the political coordination of the National Association of Transvestites and Transsexuals, ANTRA.

Some local organizations, such as ANTRA, have published recommendations for trans people who work in the informal labor market at the following link: https://antrabrasil.org/cartilhas/

In the case of Colombia, the exponential growth of the confirmed cases of people carrying COVID-19 is worrisome.[1] Although the National Government has enacted measures related to the closure of maritime and ground borders, and has promoted measures for education and work from homes to promote isolation, the lack of social and economic measures that take into account the conditions =of the most marginalized and vulnerable population is still troublesome.

In Cuba, uncertainty regarding the actions that the government may take continues.  To date, no state of emergency or quarantine has been declared. Citizens are concerned that the government is not taking drastic measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and that there is no focus on self-responsibility and self-care about preventive measures that citizens can take.

Recommendations to States

Race and Equality and our counterparts call on the States of the region, and in accordance with the curfew measures that have been declared in some areas of the region, request the surveillance and protection of the human rights of those who could be most affected by these events that could affect their lives and personal integrity.

Likewise, we urge states to include LGBTI populations in their national plans to combat COVID-19 taking into account the differential impact of the crisis and to continue informing the population about the progression of the virus, as well as the services available for this population’s particular needs.

We call on States to protect the economic income of the poorest households[2] and those unable to telework; measures that allow the flexibility of payments of bank and financial obligations; policies that guarantee adequate treatment and protection for people over 60 years of age, especially those belonging to the LGBTI[3] sectors, and measures that ensure access to sanitary conditions to prevent the spread of the virus, such as access to public toilets, especially for migrants, sex workers, the homeless, and imprisoned people[4].

Additionally, we call on States not to use the health crisis to implement legislation that limits or presents setbacks in the area of ​​human and LGBTI rights.

We call on the LGBTI population to follow the recommendations of the Ministry of Health and the WHO, remain calm, and apply preventive measures.


[1] As of March 19, 2020, at 12:00 noon, 93 cases of people carrying COVID-19 have been registered, according to figures from the Ministry of Health.

[2] LGBT people often face poverty, social exclusion, and lack of access to housing. LGBT people are often expelled from their families and schools, and in some cases they cannot even get jobs that pay the minimum wage. This situation could push them towards the informal economy or criminal activity.

[3] The lack of family support and social rejection accentuate the conditions of loneliness, isolation, poverty, and lack of access to housing and health services for LGBTI elders.

[4] “Inmates of La Picota protest against measures against the coronavirus (Covid-19)” https://www.wradio.com.co/noticias/bogota/internos-de-la-picota-protestan-por-medidas-contra-el-coronavirus-covid19/20200318/nota/4023683.aspx

Join Our Efforts

Help empower individuals and communities to achieve structural changes in Latin America.