MADRID, Spain.- The Cuban Catholic Church approved a Manual of procedures for the prevention of abuse of minors and vulnerable adults, the entity announced in its website this Wednesday.
During the 159th Plenary Assembly of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Cuba, held from March 28 to 31, the Catholic Church discussed this issue and determined to establish a diocesan reference as a listening channel for eventual situations.
As explained in a statement, the creation of “a multidisciplinary team, of a national character for the time being, which will be in charge of processing the stipulated procedures according to what is established,” was also determined.
The text, signed by the Deputy Secretary of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of Cuba, Ariel Suárez Jáuregui, also refers to the complex situation that the country is going through, marked by the migratory crisis.
The bishops, gathered in the House of Retreats and Coexistences of El Cobre, highlighted that this emigration occurs fundamentally in young people and pointed out how it affects families.
During the meeting it was also recalled the November 2021 Message sent to the Cuban people, in which freedom of expression was defended and a call was made to create a “national project that involves and motivates everyone; that takes differences into account, without exclusions or marginalizations”.
“Every Cuban should be able to freely and respectfully express and share their personal opinions, thoughts or convictions, even when they disagree with the majority. (…) We think that it is necessary to implement mechanisms where, without fear of intimidation and reprisals, everyone can be heard and dissatisfaction with the harsh daily realities that overwhelm so many, especially the most impoverished and vulnerable, can be channeled, ”the message expressed. .
According to a report published by the Cuban authorities at the end of 2021, in 2020 more than 2,140 girls and boys were victims of alleged sexual abuse. Of these, 1,196 minors were victims of lewd abuse; 317 of corruption of minors; 331 rape; 220 for sexual assault; 44 of pederasty; 21 stupor; 15 of incest; and one on pimping and human trafficking.
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