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

Summary

The President may give help and support to people and independent nongovernmental groups that are working to build democracy in Cuba. This can include sending printed or recorded materials about democracy, human rights, and market economies to independent Cuban groups; giving humanitarian help to victims of political repression and their families; backing Cuban democratic and human rights groups; and supporting visits and the long-term placement of independent international human rights monitors in Cuba. This authority applies even if other laws say otherwise, except for one specific notification law and similar notice rules in foreign-aid spending bills. The President must try to get the Organization of American States (OAS) to set up a special emergency fund to send human rights and election observers to Cuba. The President should also tell the U.S. representative to the OAS to urge other member countries to press Cuba to allow those observers and on-site visits by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. The United States should give at least $5,000,000 of its voluntary OAS contributions to that special fund. The President must make sure no U.S. money or help goes to the Cuban government.