A young Cuban mother has been spotted selling goods alongside her daughter on the streets of Camagüey, an image that starkly illustrates the harsh living conditions many families face on the island. The situation was reported by an individual through a message sent to CiberCuba. "Look, this is in Camagüey, in La Vigía. The young woman has been selling on my street for several days; they are in great need. Both are very thin and have almost no clothes," the message read, highlighting the difficult circumstances.
This type of testimony reveals the reality for many families in Cuba, where a lack of resources forces people like this young mother to take to the streets in search of sustenance for their children. This scenario is becoming increasingly common across the island.
Child Labor on the Rise
Such is the case of Roelbis, a child from Camagüey who earns a living selling tamales on the streets. The young boy has received support from Cubans both inside and outside the island after his poignant story came to light. Independent journalist José Luis Tan Estrada brought visibility to Roelbis's situation on social media, describing how the boy rides his old bicycle through his neighborhood to sell tamales and financially support his family.
The growing economic crisis in Cuba has led to this increasingly concerning phenomenon, which continues to worsen and reflects the severity of the situation. Last August, the regime acknowledged the escalating issue of children and adolescents working in Cienfuegos, but entirely blamed the families, deflecting its responsibility for the social and economic crisis affecting the country.
The state-run newspaper 5 de Septiembre cited Lieutenant Colonel Marilín Cuellar Valdivia, Head of the Minor's Office at the Ministry of the Interior in Cienfuegos, who did not hesitate to criticize the families of these children and adolescents. She stated that "in most cases, it is an activity encouraged or at least permitted by the adult family members."
As early as June, the official press acknowledged the existence of child labor cases, a problem that underscores the complexity of the current socioeconomic context. In Cuba, the law prohibits child labor and protects the rights of minors according to the Constitution and the Labor Code. However, more cases of child labor are being reported in communities each day.
Understanding the Child Labor Situation in Cuba
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to better understand the growing issue of child labor in Cuba.
Why are more Cuban children working on the streets?
The worsening economic crisis in Cuba has left many families without sufficient resources, forcing children to work to help support their families.
What is the government's stance on child labor?
While the government has acknowledged the issue, it has largely placed the blame on families, avoiding responsibility for the broader social and economic factors contributing to the problem.
What legal protections exist for children in Cuba?
Cuban law prohibits child labor and aims to protect the rights of minors according to the Constitution and the Labor Code. However, enforcement of these laws is inconsistent.