To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the compatibility of the work of the Office of Religious Affairs in the Cuban Communist Party with the right to freedom of religion or belief in Cuba.
Answered on
21 May 2018
We are aware that the Office of Religious Affairs operates a robust programme of regulation over the operation of places of worship, particularly applications for new licences. The reports that religious groups give us of the difficulties they face vary significantly. Some religious groups feel able to operate without hindrance, and report an increasing ability to undertake charitable works in the community. Others report significant challenges ranging from overly bureaucratic requirements to harassment. Overall, the trend in Cuba appears to be towards a more open environment to practise religion. The UK will continue to monitor this situation.