Notes on the concluding observations of Cuba's ninth periodic report (CEDAW)

Abstract

Responding broadly to what was presented in Cuba's periodic report and the alternative reports, the Committee expressed its particular concern at the shortages of food, medicine, medical supplies, and fuel, an issue that disproportionately affects the population, especially women and girls, in terms of their nutrition, hygiene, and education, among other aspects. In line with this, the Network of Independent Observatories emphasized this issue through the presentation of alternative reports such as "Cuban Women in Particular Conditions" and "The Multifactorial Crisis in Cuba," which exposed how the current economic crisis has diverse repercussions on women in differential conditions. Also highlighted was the report "Discrimination against Women and Social Rights in Cuba: Labor Guarantees and Sexual and Reproductive Rights," which analyzes the complex situation in terms of employment, well-being, and access to hygiene and sexual health supplies. Another relevant report was "Normalization of Gender Violence in Educational and Cultural Contexts in Cuba," which presented an overview of school conditions, including figures related to school dropout rates, educational infrastructure, and adequate education on sexual and reproductive health and rights at all levels of education.