Independent observatories have reported that a staggering 350 femicides have occurred in Cuba from 2019 through June 2026. This information, shared on Facebook by Alas Tensas, comes from the Gender Observatory of Alas Tensas (OGAT) and the YoSíTeCreo in Cuba Femicide Observatory (YSTCC).
The observatories themselves have labeled these numbers as underreported, highlighting a severe crisis of gender-based violence that the Cuban regime continues to officially deny.
“Each femicide signifies a life stolen and an institutional failure. Prevention, protection, and redress cannot remain solely the responsibility of civil society,” the publication stated.
The Alarming Yearly Trends
Annual data uncovers a disturbing trend: 16 incidents in 2019, 33 in 2020, 36 in 2021, 36 in 2022, a historic peak of 90 in 2023, 56 in 2024, 48 in 2025, and 35 so far in 2026, a year still ongoing.
The dramatic rise in 2023—almost threefold compared to the previous year—marked a turning point that has seen no institutional response from the government.
Current Year Insights
The ongoing year, 2026, shows no signs of improvement, with the current femicide rate reflecting a 112.5% increase compared to the same period in 2025, according to OGAT data.
Among the most recent cases are Arnelys Nancy Vega González, age 25, murdered on June 7 in Centro Habana by her partner, and Daisi María Isaac Brito, age 56, confirmed as the 34th victim on June 15.
Consistent Crime Patterns
The crime profile remains consistent: 83.3% of femicides are committed by the victim's partner or ex-partner, 64.6% involve a bladed weapon, and 62.5% occur in the victim's home or immediate surroundings.
Women aged 15 to 45 are the primary victims. As of 2026, OGAT has also documented 19 attempted femicides and one gender-motivated male murder.
Lack of Official Data and Support
All these figures come solely from independent observatories, as the Cuban regime does not systematically release official femicide statistics.
The situation worsened after the YSTCC Observatory closed in April 2026 due to resource shortages and human fatigue, having documented 315 crimes from 2019 to 2025. This closure leaves OGAT as the sole active independent observatory on the island.
YSTCC explained their closure, stating, “The platform lacks the human and material resources to continue maintaining the femicide records, which are increasingly difficult to manage in the Cuban context.”
Legal Framework and Institutional Response
Cuba's legal framework offers no specific protection: the current Penal Code (Law 151/2022) does not classify femicide as a separate crime, and the country lacks comprehensive gender violence legislation, institutional shelters, or public protection protocols for at-risk women.
In 2022, the National Assembly rejected an amendment to include femicide in the new Penal Code. The Federation of Cuban Women (FMC), the only legal women's organization in the country, not only remained silent but also opposed this classification.
In June 2026, the UNFPA of the UN awarded the FMC recognition for its supposed work in protecting women, a decision heavily criticized by independent activists.
Alas Tensas demands that the regime publicly acknowledge violence against women, release official statistics, classify femicide, activate protection protocols, establish shelters, and ensure emergency lines.
They further demand an end to the criminalization of activists and independent observatories documenting these cases amid state silence, encapsulating the dual nature of institutional violence.
Key Questions About Femicide in Cuba
What is the current status of femicide reporting in Cuba?
Femicide reporting in Cuba relies exclusively on independent observatories as the government does not provide official statistics. Observatories like OGAT strive to document cases despite facing significant challenges.
How has the Cuban government responded to the femicide crisis?
The Cuban government has not acknowledged the femicide crisis officially and has shown no substantial institutional response or support for addressing the violence against women.
What legal protections exist for women in Cuba?
Currently, Cuba lacks specific legal protections for women against gender-based violence. The Penal Code does not recognize femicide as an autonomous crime, and there are no comprehensive laws or public shelters for women at risk.
Who are the primary perpetrators of femicides in Cuba?
The majority of femicides in Cuba are committed by the victim's partner or ex-partner, with a significant number involving bladed weapons and occurring in or around the victim's home.