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Cuba : Law and Lawyers
January 16, 2010
- January 25, 2010
Learn about the Cuban legal system, from the neighborhoods to the National Assembly!
The Cuban system of legal and civil rights has often been criticized by U.S.-based human rights organizations for alleged violations of international standards. However, such groups rarely visit Cuba, and often base their studies on the testimony of the Cuban exile community. In fact, the Cuban system is a complex and dynamic composite of Spanish Colonial, Socialistic, and Anglo American civil law, reflecting three major eras of Cuba's history and Cuba's strong emphasis on economic rights as well as political rights for its citizens.
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn about the Cuban system from the Cuban point of view. This research delegation focuses on the historical context in which the Cuban system has evolved, as well as the economic and political reality in which Cuba functions today, internally and externally, and as impacted by the nearly 50 year old U.S. embargo.
In addition to meetings with Cuban lawyers and legal scholars, there will be discussions with advocates for various sectors of Cuban society: workers, women, children, seniors, the ill and infirm, and prisoners to discuss the
It sometimes comes as a surprise to U.S. citizens that in the content of international human rights treaties, to which the U.S. is a signatory, economic rights (the right to the basic necessities of a healthy and productive life) are considered equal to political rights. Cubans have rights to health care, education, shelter, adequate diet and a job, built into their constitution.
Studies show that, given their colonial and neo-colonial past, most Cubans are grateful for a system that protects their right to the basic necessities of life, especially as compared with many citizens of the world who struggle to eke out a living under systems that honor neither economic nor political rights. Indeed Cuba has been internationally praised and awarded for its success in these areas. The quality of life indices of Cuba far surpass those of most other developing nations, and some areas of the "developed" world.
Nevertheless, questions remain in the U.S. regarding the Cuban system, and so few of us have had the opportunity to see Cuba for ourselves and weigh the arguments, based on our own research and experience. This research tour is your opportunity to explore the answers to those questions!
We in the US have been struggling with our own complex issues in terms of civil rights, historically and currently. Might U.S. and Cuban lawyers have something of value to share with each other in regard to our respective legal systems? There is only one way to find out -- start the dialogue!
Program Highlights:
- Scale Model of City of Havana and City Tour
- Havana Union of Cuban Jurists, Meet Cuban Lawyers and Judges
- Ministry of Justice
- Center for the Protection of Children
- Senior Center
- Ministry of Labor
- CDR, Neighborhood Committee
- Seminars on Criminal and Civil Law
- Two day visit to provincial city and town
- Casa de Africa
Cost:
$2550, double occupancy when available; single occupany supplement, $300
Price Includes:
- Flight from Cancun to Havana
- Flight from Havana to Cancun
- Two meals per day
- Three star hotel accommodations
- In-country translation
- In-country transportation
- Program fees
- Price is based on double room accommodations; add $300 for single room
- Price does NOT include airfare to/from Cancun, beverages, gratuities, travel insurance, personal expenditures, etc.
How to Register:
We must receive your application and a non-refundable deposit of $400 a month before departure, otherwise, a late fee of $50 will be applied . Payments by Mastercard Visa or Discover are welcome.
Make your reservation online now!
Contact Leslie with any questions about this trip,
or call toll-free 1-800-497-1994 ext. 242.
Trips on related issues: Civil Rights
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