Resolutions Calling For Release Of Persons Imprisoned For Independent Library Activities in Cuba
Here is another resolution that has been sent to us in advance. This issue has been debated for several years and ALA took a position on it in 2003. Some are saying that our position then is still in effect and doesn't need to be re-addressed. Others are saying that we need to keep pressure on Cuba to release dissidents. There is even some debate about the use of the word librarian, in that these people were arrested and tried because they were working in opposition to the government of Cuba, not because of the books they had in their homes, it has even been reported that much of the material is available in official libraries in Cuba. There is some question about where the books came from, who paid for them, and whether they were ever really shared with others in the community; so the label of librarian is questionable in some minds. I am waiting to hear the discussion before I make up my mind. While I personally condemn any suppression of people in Cuba, I don't know where this discussion may go and whether our current position is sufficient. If you have an opinion, I appreciate your input.
Rob
Whereas: In March and April of 2003, twenty-three persons who established independent libraries were arrested in Cuba, sentenced in one-day summary trials to long prison sentences, and the entire contents of at least eight of their library collections were ordered by Cuban provincial courts destroyed, incinerated or otherwise destroyed and
Whereas, The American Library Association "believes that freedom of expression is an inalienable human right, necessary to self-government, vital to the resistance of oppression, and crucial to the cause of justice, and further, that the principles of freedom of expression should be applied by libraries and librarians throughout the world" (Policy 53.1.12), and
Whereas, The American Library Association "deplores the destruction of libraries, library collections and property, and the disruption of educational process by that act, whether it be done by individuals or groups of individuals and whether it be in the name of honest dissent, the desire to control or limit thought or ideas or for any other purpose," (Policy 53.7, Destruction of Libraries) and
Whereas, The American Library Association includes in its policy objectives" 1. To encourage the exchange, dissemination, and access to information and the unrestricted flow of library materials in all formats throughout the world" (ALA priority Area A: Access to information) 2. To promote and support human rights and intellectual freedom worldwide" (58.1 Policy Objectives ALA Priority Area C: Intellectual Freedom, Implemented 1989-1990), and
Whereas, The American Library Association has adopted as policy 58.4 Article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that "Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media regardless of frontiers", therefore be it
Resolved, that the American Library Association joins with Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, International PEN, the Campaign for Peace and Democracy, the Committee to Protect Journalists, the International Federation for Human Rights, the International Press Institute, the Global Coordinating Committee of Press Rights, the International Press Institute, the Global Coordinating Committee of Press Freedom Organizations, the Inter American Press Association, the Organization of American States, the European Union Council and Presidency, the Personal Representative of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the German Bundestag Commission of Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid, the French Communist Party, the French Foreign Minister, Pax Christi of the Netherlands, the Socialist International, the World Council of Churches, and the national library associations of Estonia, Latvia, Poland and the Czech Republic, in calling for the immediate and unconditional release of those persons involved in the operation of independent libraries arrested in March 2003, and imprisoned following one day summary trials in April 2003 for the nonviolent exercise of their freedoms of expression, association, and the freedom to read, and be it further
Resolved, that the American Library Association call on the Cuban government authorities to return any materials confiscated from independent library collections which have not been incinerated or destroyed and be it further
Resolved that the American Library Association recognize the importance of and affirms its support for the whole Cuban library community, both those working in libraries funded and controlled by the government and those working in independent libraries, and be it further
Resolved that this resolution be sent to President Raul Castro and to Sr. Eduardo Torres Cuevas, Director of the Biblioteca Nacional Marti.