The leader of UNPACU was recognized by the InterAmerican Institute for Democracy for his sustained fight against authoritarianism on the Island.
MADRID, Spain.- Cuban opposition figure José Daniel Ferrer, recently exiled in Miami, has been distinguished with the Carlos Alberto Montaner Prize 2025, awarded by the InterAmerican Institute for Democracy (IID) in recognition of his defense of freedom, democracy and human rights in the American continent.
In an official letter dated October 23, 2025 and signed by the president of the IID, Tomás Regalado, and the executive director, Carlos Sánchez Berzaín, the institution reported that the award was granted by unanimous decision of its Board of Directors. The document highlights that the award recognizes figures from the hemisphere who “have contributed to the defense and promotion of the principles of freedom, democracy and human rights and institutions in the Americas,” as well as their ability to sustain those values “in the face of threats, power and possible pressures that violate freedom.”
“I am honored by the InterAmerican Institute for Democracy by awarding me the 2025 Carlos Alberto Montaner Award. My commitment to Freedom and Democracy was, is and will always be solid. It is a priority in my life and that of my family and brothers of Lucha,” express Ferrer in thanking him for the recognition.
The Carlos Alberto Montaner Award, which adopted its current name in 2023 in tribute to the journalist and writer Cuban who died that same year, was created in 2010 under the name of the Francisco de Miranda Award. Each year, it honors outstanding personalities for their work in favor of freedom and democratic values.
Among the winners in previous editions are Jennie Lincoln (2024), Armando Valladares (2023), Daniel Hadad, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Jorge Lanata, Luis Almagro (2017), María Corina Machado (2016) and Guillermo Cochez (2013).
The delivery ceremony will take place on Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 6:30 pm at the American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora, in Miami.
With this recognition, the IID highlights the career of José Daniel Ferrer, founder and leader of the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), who has been imprisoned repeatedly for his political activism. His exile has not diminished—as he himself has reiterated—his commitment to freedom and democracy in Cuba.
