:: Puente Democrático ::

Puente Democrático is a project within the area "International Promotion of Human Rights" of the Center for Opening and Development of Latin America (CADAL). Its objective is to realize international acts of solidarity and to support the efforts of the democratic people who live within dictatorial countries as well as to influence the implementation of a foreign policy that is committed to Human Rights on the part of the Latin American countries.

English version

Social Latin American personalities claim for opening in Cuba
Fifty social personalities from Latin America have just subscribe the Declaration in Support of Freedom of Association and Speech in Cuba, taking into account that “the recent decision of OAS to leave without effect the suspension of Cuba is a chance to ask the government of that country to give way to the guaranties of a democratic system and open the channels of expression of its people”. The signatures of the Declaration are headed by Patricio Aylwin, former President of Chile and Chairman of Corporación Justicia y Democracia.

Year VII Number 98 - May 14, 2009
On Diplomatic Commitment to Human Rights
Committed diplomacy is a problematic concept. Even though its exact definition is elusive, it is a practice that is backed by sufficient historical evidence to be recognized internationally. However, that does not subtract from the fact that the acts of diplomats committed to human rights beyond their call of duty are a scarce minority.
By Pablo Brum y Mariana Dambolena

Award to Committed Diplomacy in Cuba, 2003-2008
On the sixth anniversary of the crack down known as "Cuban Black Spring", CADAL gave in Buenos Aires the "Award to Committed Diplomacy in Cuba", corresponding to the period 2003-2008. The winners of the award that consisted of a plaque, were chosen taking into account the number and diversity of the votes from the different groups of disidents. The winners are: Daniel Gromann, former Business Attaché of the Embassy of Poland in Havanna; Stanislav Kázecky, former First Secretary of the Czech Embassy in Havanna; Michael Parmly, former Chief of the Section of Interests of United States in Havanna; Melanie Hopkins, former Second Secretary of the British Embassy in Havanna; Hans-Ulrich Lunscken † (1952-2008), former Ambassador of Germany in Cuba; and Andrea Brouillette-Rodríguez, former officer in the Human Rights area at the Section of Interests of United States in Havanna. Other two German diplomats and one Norwegian también were also awarded but decided not to accept the prize. The award highlights the work of foreign diplomats in Cuba, acknowledging those who during their mission have characterized for showing solidarity towards democrats in the Island and for taking committed actions facing human rights violations in that country.