§6039 Authorization of Support for Democratic and Human Rights Groups and International Observers

Summary

The President may give help to people and independent nongovernmental groups to support democracy in Cuba. Even if other laws would limit such aid, and except for certain required notifications about foreign aid, the President can provide things like books and videos about democracy, human rights, and market economies; humanitarian help for victims of political repression and their families; support for democratic and human rights groups; and help for bringing in and stationing independent international human rights monitors in Cuba. The President must try to get the Organization of American States to set up a special emergency fund to send human rights and election observers to Cuba. The President should tell the U.S. representative to the OAS to urge other member countries to press Cuba to allow these monitors and visits by the Inter‑American Commission on Human Rights. The President should give at least $5,000,000 of U.S. voluntary contributions to that OAS fund. The President must make sure no funds or help go to the Cuban government.