The National Endowment for Democracy and the National Democratic Institute cordially invite you to:
“Democracy and Human Rights in Cuba: The Legacy of Oswaldo Payá Sardiñas”
Tuesday, April 9
9:00-10:30 a.m.
Panelists will include Rosa María Payá Acevedo, Christian Liberation Movement; Fred Hiatt, The Washington Post; and Santiago Cantón, Robert F. Kenney Center for Justice and Human Rights.
Description:
As the founder and leader of Cuba’s Christian Liberation Movement, the late Oswaldo Payá Sardiñas was an unwavering advocate for democracy and human rights. In 2002, the Christian Liberation Movement’s Varela Project captured widespread attention, both in Cuba and internationally, as it called for a popular referendum to establish the foundation for a democratic system in the country. With more than 25,000 Cuban citizens publicly signing the petition, the Varela Project became the greatest challenges to totalitarian rule in Cuba. Throughout his life, Oswaldo Paya served as a consistent voice for pluralism, national reconciliation and respect for human rights and placed these principles at the forefront of his efforts to bring democracy to the island.
His tragic and untimely death in July 2012 increasingly has raised questions in the international community and, at the same time, galvanized support for the ideals that he stood for. Please join us as we honor his legacy and reflect upon the future of Cuba’s democratic movement.
Panelists will include Rosa María Payá Acevedo, Christian Liberation Movement; Fred Hiatt, The Washington Post; and Santiago Cantón, Robert F. Kenney Center for Justice and Human Rights.
Fred Hiatt is the author of Nine Days (Random House, publication April 9), a thriller for young adults inspired in part by the true story of dissident Wang Bingzhang and his daughter’s efforts to win his freedom from Chinese prison.
Santiago Cantón was the former Executive Secretary of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights of the Organization of American States.
Location:
National Endowment for Democracy
1025 F Street NW, #800
Washington, DC 20004
To RSVP, please visit: http://oswaldopaya.eventbrite.
