Cuban citizens are entitled by their government to universal health care, universal education from pre school through university, adequate basic nutrition guaranteed by a ration system, shelter, and a job.

It sometimes comes as a surprise to U.S. citizens that international human rights treaties, to which the U.S. is a signatory, consider economic rights (the right to the basic necessities of a healthy life) equally important to political rights.

The Cuban system of civil rights has been criticized by some U.S.-based human rights organizations for alleged violations of international standards in the realm of political rights. 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.

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.

Cuba is a relatively poor country that, despite sometimes immense hardship, manages to guarantee adequate food, shelter, health care, education and work for its people. 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 in some cases, those of the "developed" world.

Nevertheless, questions remain in the U.S. regarding the Cuban system, largely because so few of us have had the opportunity to see Cuba for ourselves and weigh the arguments, based on our own research and experience.

Some U.S. citizens may well ask why our political rights are violated in the case of Cuba -- our right to travel, for example -- especially when it seems we just might be able to learn something from Cuba in the area of economic rights. Why indeed! Is it, as some have said, the "threat of a good example?"

After the horror of the U.S. government's inadequacy in dealing with Hurricane Katrina in 2005, you might be amazed to learn that Cuba's Hurricane Preparedness Program is so sophisticated that, despite almost annual tropical storms, deaths due to natural disasters are extremely rare in Cuba. In 2004, Cuba offered to share its expertise with U.S. hurricane professionals at an international conference in Mexico, but the Bush Administration denied the U.S. scientists the right to attend.

And might we in the U.S. also have something of value to share with Cubans in regard to certain aspects of our system and our access to a relatively large share of the world's resources? There is only one way to find out -- start the dialogue!

Take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn about the Cuban system from the Cuban point of view, on this research delegation that emphasizes 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 U.S. embargo.

As an added bonus: Experience the annual May Day Parade and Celebration in Revolution Square in Havana!

Program Highlights:

• Scale Model of City of Havana and City Tour
• May Day in Revolution Square
• Union of Cuban Jurists
• Ministry of Health
• Center for the Protection of Children
• Senior Center
• Cuban Workers Confederation (CTC)
• Ministry of Labor
• CDR, Neighborhood Committee
• City tour of Cienfuegos
• Cienfuegos Union of Jurists, Lawyers and Judges
• Casa de Africa

Cost: $2550

Price Includes:

• Flight from Cancun to Havana
• Flight from Havana to Cancun
• Breakfast daily
• 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:

Make your reservation online now!

Contact Leslie with any questions about this trip, or call toll-free 1-800-497-1994 ext. 242.