Facebook user Laury Alma has recently exposed a case of child exploitation she witnessed at the Plaza Vieja in Havana. She recounts that on three separate occasions, both during the day and night, a young girl persistently followed her, begging for money and claiming it was for food. The girl's father watched from a distance, drinking, and later scolded the child for not getting the money.
Laury Alma described the girl as "super intense" and persistent. When denied money, the child began to hurl vulgar insults at passersby, highlighting the frustration and hopelessness surrounding this complex issue of child exploitation.
The Dire Situation for Cuban Children
"What future do these children have? Why are there no laws protecting children from such exploitation in Cuba? How can we guide the behavior of children growing up in these conditions?" Laury questioned, asserting that "it's getting worse every day."
The situation she describes reflects the deep crisis in Cuba, where poverty, lack of resources, and loss of values severely impact the younger generations. This summer, for the first time, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) included Cuba in its evaluation of child nutrition, highlighting that 9% of children on the island suffer from severe food poverty. This means that Cuban children have access to only two of the eight essential foods for a healthy life.
The desperation of families unable to meet their children's basic needs leads to situations where children are used to beg. This can be seen not only in the capital but also in other cities across the country.
While this is happening on the streets of Old Havana, in another part of the city, El Vedado, the Cuban regime is pushing its indoctrination policies on young generations. Near the birthday of Fidel Castro, the center dedicated to studying his life and work opened its doors for a museography workshop aimed at children. For a few hours, the children acted as museum guides, presenting exhibits related to the dictator to the visitors, who were their parents.
The contrast between Laury Alma's report and the workshop at the Fidel Castro Center highlights the deep contradictions in Cuba's approach to child protection programs. While some children are exploited and subjected to extreme poverty, others are indoctrinated to glorify a communist leader, the symbol of a regime that perpetuates their suffering.
This situation leaves much uncertainty about the future of Cuban children and underscores the lack of attention the state is giving to the protection and development of new generations.
Understanding Child Exploitation in Cuba
The following questions and answers provide more insights into the issue of child exploitation in Cuba, based on the recent findings and reports.
What did Laury Alma witness in Havana?
Laury Alma witnessed a young girl persistently begging for money in Plaza Vieja, while her father watched from a distance and later scolded her for not obtaining money.
How severe is child poverty in Cuba according to UNICEF?
UNICEF's evaluation highlighted that 9% of Cuban children suffer from severe food poverty, having access to only two out of eight essential foods needed for a healthy life.
What are the contradictions in Cuba's child protection programs?
While some children are exploited and live in extreme poverty, others are being indoctrinated to glorify Fidel Castro, representing the regime that maintains their suffering.