Category Archives: TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY

‘A Voice That Upholds the Conscience of the World’: Spain Honors Francesca Albanese for Efforts to Stop Gaza Genocide

. TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY .

An article by Stephen Prager in Common Dreams (licensed under Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 3.0)

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez honored  Francesca Albanese, the United Nations special rapporteur on Palestine, on Thursday, in a display of solidarity as she faces sanctions from the United States over her outspoken advocacy against Israel’s genocide in Gaza.

Citing her work to document human rights violations over more than two years of conflict, Sánchez awarded Albanese the Order of Civil Merit, a knighthood granted to Spanish and foreign citizens for extraordinary services benefiting the state or society.

“Public responsibility… entails the moral obligation not to look the other way,” Sánchez said in a social media post. “It is an honor to award the Order of Civil Merit to a voice that upholds the conscience of the world: Francesca Albanese.”

Earlier this week, Sánchez petitioned  the European Commission to intervene to stop compliance with the Trump administration’s efforts to punish Albanese, as well as members of the International Criminal Court who have brought arrest warrants  against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

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Question related to this article:
 
How can we best express solidarity with the people of Gaza?

Where in the world can we find good leadership today?

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Albanese, an Italian legal scholar, has held the role of special rapporteur since 2022, a year before Israel launched a war in Gaza in response to a Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023. Human rights organizations  and UN experts  have described Israel’s assault as a genocide.

In March 2024, Albanese released  the UN’s first major public report, making the legal case that there are “reasonable grounds” to believe a genocide was being committed, referring to a litany of statements by Israeli officials establishing intent to destroy the Palestinian population.

In addition to documenting Israel’s actions, she has published  research demonstrating the “complicity” of nations that supply weapons and other support to Israel in what she has called a “collective crime” that they should also face responsibility for.

According to official estimates, at least 72,000 Palestinians have been killed  since October 2023, many of them women and children, while independent analyses suggest the death toll is much higher, in part due to the near-total destruction of health and other public infrastructure.

Many of the buildings in Gaza have been destroyed by over two years of relentless bombings, leaving most of its 2.1 million people displaced  and living in tent cities.

Albanese told  a Spanish broadcaster that the US and other nations attempting to punish her and other international authorities for speaking out against atrocities in Gaza were “like an international mafia.”

“They want to silence everyone who demands an end to genocide, an end to the crimes,” she said.

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Europe, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY

Burkina Faso: An inter-institutional cultural day to celebrate social cohesion 

. TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY .

An article from the News Agency of Burkina Faso

The youth of the commune of Kokologho celebrated, on Saturday, April 25, an inter-institutional cultural day under the banner of social cohesion. 
 
Organised around the theme “Responsible Youth, a Better Future”, this cultural immersion mobilized local, customary and school authorities in the town’s conference room.

The initiative, led by local educational stakeholders, has a clear objective: to strengthen resilience and cohesion among the people of Kokologho, the teaching staff, and the students. Beyond simply fostering interaction, it aims to stimulate civic engagement and solidarity among young people to build a peaceful future.

(Click here for the article in French.)

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Question related to this article:
 
Youth initiatives for a culture of peace, How can we ensure they get the attention and funding they deserve?

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The President of the Special Delegation (PDS) of Kokologho, guest of honor at the ceremony, expressed his satisfaction with the turnout. He commended the students’ creativity and the relevance of this initiative, which promotes community spirit in a context where unity is paramount.

For the event’s patron, His Majesty Naaba Sigri, this day is a lever for safeguarding local identity.

“This is a great joy for me. I commend the leaders who took this initiative to bring together students and the entire population for the preservation of culture. I ask the authorities to support these young people in their mission to promote academic excellence and solidarity,” he pleaded.
 
Echoing this sentiment, co-sponsor Cheick Abdoul Karim Sawadogo expressed his admiration for the youth’s enthusiasm. He stated that this strong mobilization for culture sends a powerful message in favor of tolerance and a culture of peace within the community.
 
The day was marked by various artistic performances, illustrating the richness of the cultural heritage of the Boulkiemdé province, under the benevolent gaze of religious and traditional leaders.

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Africa, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY

Zaid El-Kheir: Pope Leo XIV’s Visit to Algeria is Distinguished and Serves as a Positive Message for a More Harmonious and Stable World

. TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY .

An article from Radio Algerie

The President of the High Islamic Council, Mr. Mabrouk Zaid El-Kheir, emphasized that the visit of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to Algeria is of utmost importance, describing it as “highly significant,” especially as it comes in response to an official invitation from the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune. He expressed his hope that this visit would contribute to fostering a culture of peace and love, serving as a positive message to the entire world toward a more stable and harmonious future.

During his appearance this Monday [April 13] on the “L’invité du jour” on Algerian Radio’s Channel 1, Zaid El-Kheir explained that the high-level meeting between Algeria and the Vatican pursues noble goals worthy of this distinguished visit. He highlighted the religious and diplomatic dimensions of the visit, noting the significant influence of His Holiness the Pope as a major symbol for Christians worldwide. He further emphasized the Pope’s prestigious standing, earned through his efforts in promoting peace, advocating for harmony, and his initiatives regarding various complex international issues.

He further stated: “Algeria is a land of peace, tolerance, and respect for all religions. Therefore, I anticipate that this visit will be a significant milestone, given its ancient history and civilizational value. It will undoubtedly highlight this standing and strengthen the rapprochement between both parties”. He also pointed to its “prominent diplomatic dimension, which is poised to achieve harmony between two states of great religious and historical weight, establishing Algeria as a beacon of radiance for global peace”.

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(Click here for a French article on this subject.)

Question related to this article:
 
How can different faiths work together for understanding and harmony?

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A visit in a sensitive international context to renew relations

Speaking on the timing of the visit, Zaid El-Kheir considered it to be taking place in a precise international context marked by increasing unrest. He emphasized that Algeria and the Vatican are capable of contributing to de-escalating the situation and opening avenues for dialogue between religions, cultures, and cultures, thereby enhancing global security and stability.

He further explained that among the goals of the visit is the strengthening of bilateral relations, whose roots date back to the 1970s, and renewing them in a way that enshrines the values of mutual respect and affection. He emphasized the hope that this visit would result in outcomes that unify visions and send a message to the world that Algeria is a land of security and stability.

The President of the High Islamic Council emphasized that Algeria occupies a significant strategic position, serving as a gateway to Africa and being in close proximity to Europe. This grants it a pivotal role in fostering dialogue and communication among peoples.

Religion is a common denominator for rapprochement and coexistence between cultures

In a related context, the same speaker emphasized that this visit represents an opportunity to highlight the true role of religion as a common factor calling for coexistence and tolerance. He recalled that divine messages brought sublime values to foster harmony among humanity, noting that history bears witness to successful models of coexistence between Muslims and others in various regions, as was the case in ancient Egypt, Andalusia, and parts of Asia.

He also addressed the importance of contemporary religious discourse, which must be rational and derived from original texts, contributing to the achievement of harmony as well as spiritual and human stability.

Zaid El-Kheir pointed to the shared historical heritage, invoking the figure of Saint Augustine, one of the most prominent symbols of Christian thought. He emphasized that this visit also carries a symbolic dimension to revive this spiritual legacy spanning centuries, noting that Algeria has been and will remain a center for interfaith dialogue.

He concluded by saying: “Throughout its history, Algeria has remained a land of tolerance and coexistence, and has been keen on enshrining these values in its institutions, laws, and practices”.

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Mideast, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY

70+ Boats Launch Historic Global Sumud Flotilla to Gaza in Bold Solidarity Stand

. HUMAN RIGHTS .

An article from Telesur English

The Global Sumud Flotilla is departing today [April 14] from the Port of Barcelona in what organizers describe as the largest civilian-led maritime initiative in history aimed at breaking Israel’s long-standing blockade of the Gaza Strip.

Comprising more than 70 boats and over 3,000 participants from more than 100 countries, the fleet includes a dedicated medical contingent of 1,000 healthcare professionals carrying essential supplies for Gaza’s devastated health system.

Saif Abukeshek, the Palestinian activist based in Barcelona and spokesperson for the Global Sumud Flotilla, has emphasized that this is a peaceful civilian action responding to ongoing aggressions against Palestinian and Lebanese populations.

Over 70 vessels and thousands of international volunteers are sailing to pressure governments worldwide.

The mission combines sea and land components, including solidarity convoys from Asia and North Africa.

Greenpeace’s Arctic Sunrise and Open Arms vessels are joining the effort from Barcelona.

This Spring 2026 mission builds directly on previous attempts, including the 2025 Global Sumud Flotilla that was intercepted by Israeli forces.

The Global Sumud Flotilla Mission: Scale and Objectives

The Global Sumud Flotilla represents a coordinated alliance of four major coalitions: the Global Sumud Flotilla itself, the Global Freedom and Sumud Flotilla, Thousand Madleens to Gaza, and the Freedom Flotilla Coalition.

Organizers state the goal is to deliver humanitarian aid, assert the right of navigation in international waters, and highlight the dire conditions in Gaza more than six months after a fragile ceasefire took effect in October 2025.

Saif Abukeshek has described the flotilla as “civilian boats” in response to what he calls systematic human rights violations in the Middle East, including continued strikes in Lebanon and restrictions in Gaza despite the truce.

The fleet carries medical supplies, food, and reconstruction materials while featuring doctors, engineers, legal experts, and activists ready to establish an unarmed protective presence if permitted.

Medical fleet of 1,000 professionals targets Gaza’s collapsed healthcare infrastructure.

Participants include parliamentarians, journalists, and civil society leaders from every continent.

The mission seeks to open a humanitarian sea corridor and challenge the 19-year blockade.

→ External link: Amnesty International: States must ensure safe passage for Global Sumud Flotilla

→ External link: Freedom Flotilla Coalition joint statement on largest flotilla yet

Historical Context of Efforts to Break the Gaza Blockade

Maritime activism to challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza dates back to 2008 with the Free Gaza Movement, which successfully delivered aid in several voyages before 2010.

The 2010 Freedom Flotilla, including the MV Mavi Marmara, ended in tragedy when Israeli forces raided the vessels in international waters, resulting in nine activist deaths and widespread international condemnation.

Subsequent attempts — Freedom Flotilla II in 2011, III in 2015, the Women’s Boat in 2016, and multiple missions through 2018 — were all intercepted, with activists detained and deported.

In 2025, smaller missions like the Madleen and Handala faced drone attacks and boarding in international waters. The first large-scale Global Sumud Flotilla in September-October 2025 involved over 40 vessels and 500 participants but was fully intercepted, with hundreds detained.

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Question related to this article:
 
How can we best express solidarity with the people of Gaza?

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No flotilla has reached Gaza since 2010 despite repeated non-violent efforts.

The 2025 Global Sumud Flotilla marked the largest attempt until this 2026 spring mission.
Patterns show consistent Israeli interceptions, even in international waters, drawing UN and human rights criticism.

These actions have consistently raised global awareness about the blockade’s humanitarian impact, even when physically prevented from docking.

Current Situation in Gaza Six Months into the Fragile Ceasefire

The October 10, 2025 ceasefire, brokered with international involvement, promised a halt to major hostilities, hostage-prisoner exchanges, and increased aid flows. Yet Gaza remains in a state of “neither war nor peace.”

Official Palestinian sources report more than 2,073 Israeli violations between October 2025 and March 2026, including airstrikes and incursions, resulting in over 700 Palestinian deaths — the majority civilians.

Aid deliveries have fallen far short of commitments, with only about 21% of planned trucks entering. Reconstruction has barely begun, and restrictions on “dual-use” materials continue to hinder recovery.

Over 60% of children under two face food poverty amid persistent malnutrition.

Nearly 60% of the Gaza Strip remains a no-go zone under Israeli military control.

Thousands of pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers suffer from acute malnutrition.

The health system lies in ruins, with limited medical evacuations and ongoing shortages of medicine and equipment.

Geopolitical Context and Broader Regional Implications

The launch of the Global Sumud Flotilla occurs against a backdrop of fragile truces across the Middle East. A short-lived US-Iran ceasefire announced in early April 2026 followed intense strikes that disrupted regional stability, affecting aid routes and energy supplies.

Continued Israeli operations in Lebanon, even during truce periods, and tensions involving Iran have compounded the crisis. These dynamics underscore how the Gaza blockade fits into wider patterns of conflict and external intervention.

Civilian initiatives like the flotilla highlight growing frustration with governmental inaction.

By asserting rights under international law, participants aim to pressure states to fulfill obligations regarding humanitarian access and accountability.

The blockade, now in its 19th year, is widely viewed as unlawful by human rights organizations.

International Court of Justice provisional measures remain unheeded.

Grassroots movements fill the vacuum left by stalled diplomacy.

This mission tests the commitment of the international community to protect non-violent activists and enforce humanitarian principles amid shifting alliances.

Challenges Ahead and Potential Impact of the Global Sumud Flotilla

Organizers have prepared for possible interceptions, framing the effort as a legal and moral challenge rather than confrontation. Past experiences show risks of detention, equipment seizure, and physical harm.

Yet the unprecedented scale — uniting diverse coalitions and drawing support from figures across civil society — amplifies its potential to influence public opinion and policy debates in Europe, the Americas, and beyond.

Success or high-visibility failure could bolster calls for lifting the blockade entirely.

Medical and reconstruction teams signal a focus on long-term solidarity.

The flotilla exposes the gap between international rhetoric and action on Palestine.
Amnesty International has urged states to guarantee safe passage, warning against repeats of 2025 abuses.

In a region marked by unresolved conflicts, the Global Sumud Flotilla keeps the humanitarian cost of the blockade in sharp focus. It demands justice, dignity, and an end to collective punishment for Gaza’s two million residents.

As vessels leave Barcelona today, the world watches whether this bold civilian stand will mark a turning point or another chapter in the long struggle for Palestinian rights.

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HUMAN RIGHTS, Mideast, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY

Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso: Muslims and Christians United in a Collective Iftar for Peace

. TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY .

An article from Burkina24 (translation by CPNN)

In Ouagadougou, interfaith fraternity was expressed around a shared table. On Friday, March 13, 2026, the Movement for a Culture of Peace and Love of the Homeland (MPAP), in collaboration with the Cheick Moaze Foundation for Social Cohesion, Peace, and Charity, organized a collective iftar bringing together Muslims, Christians, and members of other faiths.

This collective breaking of the fast of Ramadan is part of the “Stop Xtrem” project, a civic initiative aimed at preventing religious extremism and the violence that stems from it. Through this initiative, the organizers also hope to encourage dialogue between different faiths and promote a culture of tolerance and mutual respect.

According to them, fostering such opportunities for interaction helps to strengthen social cohesion and reinforce bonds of solidarity among the various segments of Burkinabè society.

The president of the Movement for a Culture of Peace and Love of the Homeland (MPAP), Paul Marie Zoma, expressed his satisfaction with the turnout during this spiritual period marked by both Ramadan for Muslims and Lent for Christians.

He stated that these two periods remind us of shared values ​​such as self-control, humility, forgiveness, generosity, and love of one’s neighbor.

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(Click here for a French version of this article.)

Question related to this article:
 
How can different faiths work together for understanding and harmony?

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“Our country has always been recognized for the quality of its interfaith coexistence.” This wealth must be preserved and strengthened. By sharing this moment, we send a message of hope, that of a united Burkina Faso, in solidarity and resolutely committed to the path of peace,” he affirmed.

Present at the ceremony, religious leader Cheikh Moaze also praised the initiative, which he considers a powerful symbol of fraternity. According to him, every believer must learn to accept others with respect and fairness. He reminded everyone that the Quran teaches Muslims to be just and benevolent towards all, including non-Muslims.

“We must learn to accept one another and respect our differences. We must break down the barriers between the children of Adam and Eve, for only God can judge His children,” he declared. From the Catholic Church, Paul Tiendrébeogo, president of the parish committee for interreligious dialogue, also welcomed this initiative, which promotes fraternity among believers. According to him, Ramadan and Lent are periods of purification and drawing closer to God.

“By sharing this moment of breaking the fast, we affirm together that peace begins with simple gestures: meeting, talking, sharing, and respecting one another. This is how we build a society founded on solidarity, fraternity, and love of country,” he declared.
Representing the Presidency of Burkina Faso, Dr. Samuel Kalkumdo, Minister-Advisor to the President, emphasized the fundamental unity of the Burkinabè people. According to him, beyond religious or ethnic affiliations, all must consider themselves members of the same nation.

“We are all sons and daughters of Burkina Faso,” he affirmed, praising the foresight of Captain Ibrahim Traoré and calling on the Burkinabè people to remain united behind him to build a strong and cohesive nation in the face of current challenges. The meeting was also attended by several traditional and religious leaders as well as civil authorities.

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Africa, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY

Essaouira, Morocco: Launch of the Prize for “Youth Voices for Peace”

. TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY .

An article by Maghreb Arab Press Agency (translation by CPNN)

The announcement, on Sunday [March 29] at Bayt Dakira in Essaouira, of the launch of the “Nawal Ouzitane – Youth Voices for Peace” Prize was one of the highlights of an international meeting dedicated to peace and tolerance. It is meant to encourage youth engagement in promoting the values ​​of coexistence and living together.

This national prize aims to promote the creative expression of young people in various fields, reflecting their awareness of the values ​​of peace and their responsibility in strengthening them, with a particular emphasis on raising awareness among younger generations about the importance of dialogue, openness, and cultural diversity.

This initiative is also part of a national movement to make young people central actors in peace-related issues, through the provision of spaces for expression and participation, as well as the strengthening of educational and cultural roles in the fight against violence and extremism.

In a statement to MAP, Farid El Bacha, the founding president of the Moroccan House for Peace and Tolerance, indicated that this meeting was marked by two key moments. The first focused on the foundations of peace as defined by the Royal Directives, particularly regarding the role of religion as a value based on Light and Reason, the importance of dialogue between generations and continents, and the central role of education.

(Click here for the original article in French.)

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Question related to this article:
 
Youth initiatives for a culture of peace, How can we ensure they get the attention and funding they deserve?

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The second highlight was the announcement of the launch of the “Youth Voices for Peace” Prize, aimed at encouraging young people, from an early age, to embrace the values ​​of peaceful coexistence. This initiative, unique at the national level, reflects the conviction that young people play a crucial role in promoting a culture of peace through various forms of artistic expression.

Professor Anas Al Yemlahi of Abdelmalek Essaâdi University in Tetouan stated that Morocco’s selection within international bodies reflects several strategic advantages, notably its geographical position as a crossroads of continents and a gateway to Africa, the Atlantic, and the Mediterranean.

He praised the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, as well as the roles assumed by the Kingdom in strengthening international stability and contributing to conflict resolution, consolidate Morocco’s position as an international actor in promoting peace, adding that this dynamic places the Kingdom among the world’s influential nations.

This meeting was part of the first session of the Board of Directors of the University of Cultural Sciences and Heritage of Tetouan-Essaouira, providing an opportunity for discussion on issues of peace, development, and international academic cooperation.

The meeting’s program included several themes, notably the Atlantic Partnership and multilateral cooperation, the international system and the dynamics of conflict, the challenges of building inclusive peace, and the role of the dialogue of civilizations in royal speeches.

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Mideast, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY

Algeria Hosts the Arab Forum for Youth, Peace and Security

. TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY .

An article from the United Nations Development Programme, translated by CPNN

On March 28 and 29, 2026, the Sheraton Hotel in Algiers hosted a unique Arab dialogue bringing together young people, experts, and policymakers to discuss peace, security, and sustainable development.

This forum was organized by the Ministry of Youth in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Algeria, under the auspices of the Arab League and with the support of Japan, within the framework of the Arab Strategy for Youth, Peace and Security.

(Click here for the original article in French.)

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Question related to this article:
 
Youth initiatives for a culture of peace, How can we ensure they get the attention and funding they deserve?

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At the opening ceremony, the Minister of Youth emphasized the central role of young people in regional transformations and Algeria’s commitment to placing youth at the heart of national public policies. The UNDP Resident Representative in Algeria, Natasha Van Rijn, highlighted the essential role of young people in consolidating peace, while stressing the importance of expanding partnerships at the Arab and African levels.

The Tunisian Minister of Youth and Sports reiterated the strategic importance of investing in youth to build stable and secure societies, commending the cooperation between Algeria and Tunisia in this area. The Yemeni Minister of Youth and Sports, for his part, underscored the crucial role of young people in spreading a culture of peace and building a more stable future.

Under the slogan “Partners for the people: a youth who construct the future,” the forum organized workshops to identify the main challenges to youth participation and formulate concrete recommendations to strengthen their role in decision-making and peacebuilding.

The forum concluded on March 29, 2026, reaffirming the importance of valuing the contributions of young people and translating recommendations into concrete actions at the national and regional levels.
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Mideast, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY

Nonviolence International: What Cuba Taught Us

TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY .

An email received at CPNN from Nonviolence International

Dear Friend,

From March 20 to 23, NVI Co-Directors, Michael Beer, Sami Awad, and board member Mohammed Abunimer, joined the Nuestra América Delegation to Cuba as part of a much larger international convoy of more than 600 people from around the world. We came as activists, artists, influencers, faith leaders, and community organizers, united by a simple conviction: the Cuban people should not be left alone under an embargo that continues to punish ordinary life.

The delegation was supported by CODEPINK, Progressive International, Global Health Partners, and Busboys and Poets, alongside a wider network that included The People’s Forum, Cuban Americans for Cuba, and Global Exchange.

It was our first time in Cuba! What we witnessed was not theoretical, was not news reports, was not propaganda. 

Havana looks like a movie set from the 1950s! The cars and buildings are stunning — but so run down. During our time there, Cuba continued to experience major electrical outages, part of a broader energy crisis that has left entire neighborhoods in darkness and placed immense strain on daily life. The blackouts are tied to the suffocating impact of the U.S. embargo, including restrictions on oil and essential resources.

In Cuba, this is not an abstract policy debate. It means hospitals under pressure, food and medicine at risk, transportation disrupted, garbage piled in streets, markets shut, restaurants closed, and families forced to survive with less and less.

And yet what we encountered was not defeatism. It was resilience. Generosity. Dignity.

People gathered in the dark. They shared what they had. They played music and sang in the streets. We played spirited mixed-gender ultimate with them (with donated frisbees that Michael brought). That spirit stays with us.

For those of us Palestinians, this was deeply personal. We met with and were inspired by Cuban students and others from around the world including Palestinians. We know what it means to live under systems designed to isolate, weaken, and break a people. We know what it feels like when your suffering is discussed from a distance while you are still living inside it. In Cuba, we recognized something painfully familiar: a people being made to pay the price for refusing to submit.

(Click here for another article about the convoy to Cuba. )

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Question related to this article:

Solidarity across national borders, What are some good examples?

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That is why this trip was not only a solidarity visit with medical relief and aid but also an act of nonviolent defiance.

This said, the convoy defied the embargo and carried real material support.

Around 20 tons of aid were delivered, including food, medicine, solar panels, and bicycles. The delegation we were part of brought thousands of pounds of medical supplies and over a hundred suitcases and boxes of humanitarian aid, all going directly to hospitals and health workers facing severe shortages.

After we returned, the delegation faced attacks and accusations meant to discredit the trip and turn solidarity into suspicion. We reject that.

People can debate politics from afar, but we know what we saw. The US has no problem engaging and trading with the communist parties of Vietnam, China, Nepal, and Laos. We saw a country under enormous pressure. We saw communities enduring blackouts and shortages. We saw doctors, families, churches, and neighbors doing their best to hold life together. And we saw hundreds of people from across the world choosing not to look away.

The embargo is not just policy, it is collective punishment.

What we carried back from Cuba was more than memory, it was clarity.

The Palestine and Cuba siege are connected, and so must be our response.
What can you do?

° Learn. Stay informed. Support organizations like the ones mentioned above.

° Refuse the narratives that justify collective punishment and oppose US unilateral sanctions on Palestine, Cuba and many other countries.

° Use your voice—in your communities, your platforms, your spaces.

° And find ways—big or small—to stand in real solidarity, including joining future delegations. Visit CUBA!

With Nonviolent Defiance,


Mohammed Abunimer, Michael Beer & Sami Awad

P.S. Please remember to attend our round table Field Testing Israeli Occupation Tech: The Palestine Lab on Sunday, April 19, 2026 3pm ET and see films in advance. This Round Table centers the human impact of this experimentation, examining how Palestinian lives are used as testing grounds for weapons, AI platforms, and policing tactics later exported worldwide. Join the Q&A discussion with: Omar Zahzah, Jeff Halper, Antony Loewenstein, Hassan El-Tayyab

You must register to join the discussion & receive access to the films .

Nonviolence International :
https://www.nonviolenceinternational.net/

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Latin America, North America, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY,

Cuba Receives Solidarity Convoy from Europe

TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY .

An article from Cuban News Agency (translation by CPNN)

A contingent of more than one hundred activists, representing some 50 solidarity, political, and labor organizations from 17 countries, arrived Tuesday night at Havana’s José Martí International Airport with about five tons of medical supplies and other essential items.

This gesture of support for Cuba is part of the European leg of the Nuestra América (Our America) convoy, from which other groups will arrive in the coming days from different geographical areas, carrying similar cargo intended to alleviate the current tensions caused by the intensification of the policy of maximum suffocation applied by the United States government against Cuba.

Rigoberto Zarza, director for Europe at the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, explained that the shipment, valued at approximately 500,000 euros, will be distributed in coordination with Cuban institutions to four hospitals in Havana.

He specified that the initiative was coordinated by the Italian Agency for Cultural and Economic Exchange with Cuba and the call from the Progressive International, which resonated across various platforms. This allowed for the collection of contributions from some 700 individuals and several solidarity groups in Europe, with representation from Morocco and Algeria in North Africa.

(Click here for the original version in Spanish.)

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Question related to this article:

Solidarity across national borders, What are some good examples?

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He praised this action as being of great importance, not only for its material significance at this time from a medical and humanitarian perspective, but also for its awareness of the particularly complex energy situation facing the archipelago, which is also reflected in the shipment of photovoltaic systems

Belgian MEP Marc Botenga defined the presence on the island in these circumstances as a duty of solidarity with Cuba, which is a victim of Washington’s criminal policy of strangulation and which has historically offered its support to the rest of the world in other particularly delicate episodes.

He recalled the presence of the Cuban medical brigade in Italy during the peak of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and how its healthcare professionals played a decisive role in containing the virus in Italy.

“We are here to remind you that Cuba is not alone, that we stand with you from our countries and return this great solidarity!” he emphasized.

French MEP Emma Fourreau insisted that the first thing to do for the cause of the Caribbean nation is to speak about it throughout the world and how it is affected by the economic war being waged against it.

She pointed out that by experiencing the Cuban reality firsthand, they can be spokespeople for this struggle at the international level.

“The most important thing is to listen and learn what Cubans have to say; this is a first step, a symbolic action that will attract the attention of the rest of the world,” she concluded.

The Cuban ambassador to Italy, Jorge Luis Cepero, went to Rome’s Fiumicino Airport on Tuesday to see off the members of the European Solidarity Convoy as they departed for Havana.

In statements to reporters at the airport, the diplomat emphasized the significance of the gesture, a demonstration of the close ties of friendship between the people of Italy and Cuba, and of the strong rejection in Italy of the genocidal economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States against the island.

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Latin America, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY

Jamaican, St Kitts-Nevis leaders call for CARICOM humanitarian aid to Cuba, say region can be interlocutor between Havana, Washington

TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY .

An article by  Denis Chabrol in Demerara Waves

Former Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness and current Chairman, St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew called for humanitarian relief to Cuba and said the region could be an interlocutor between Washington and Havana to seize the opportunity for political and economic reforms in that communist-ruled island.


CARICOM Chairman, St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew addressing the opening of the summit (CARICOM Secretariat picture)

“This moment, therefore, calls not for rhetoric, but for responsible statecraft, even as we encourage support for humanitarian relief,” Mr Holness told the opening of the mid-term summit of CARICOM leaders in St Kitts, less than one day before regional leaders, including Guyana’s President, Irfaan Ali, are due to meet with United States (US) Secretary of State Marco Rubio

He added that Jamaica supports constructive dialogue between Cuba and the US aimed at de-escalation, reform, and stability. “We believe there is space, perhaps more space now than in years past, for pragmatic engagement that protects the Cuban people from any further deterioration in their circumstances and instead promotes national and regional prosperity,” said the Jamaican PM, regarded as a moderate US ally.

For his part, CARICOM Chairman, Dr Drew said the regional grouping could be an interlocutor between Washington and Havana to address concerns. “And the community must serve as a conduit to ensure that there is communication and dialogue between the forces that be, so that the best opportunity can be had,” he said.

CARICOM member states are pursuing capitalism and Western-style freely-elected government, but during the reign of Venezuela’s socialist governments of Hugo Chavez and Nicolás Maduro, several historically left-leaning CARICOM governments especially in the Eastern Caribbean had up to earlier this year enjoyed more than cozy relations with Venezuela.

But Mr Holness said that with the “shifting” geopolitical environment, the time has come for CARICOM member states to broker improved conditions there. “This may well be a moment of opportunity, a moment for transition, for recalibration, for a new chapter. CARICOM can play a constructive role, not as an ideological bloc, but as a community of democratic states offering cooperation, economic reform, and social development,” he said.

Mr Holness said “clarity and courage” should be the key ingredients in addressing the situation in Cuba whose doctors and teachers have served across the Caribbean.

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Question related to this article:

Solidarity across national borders, What are some good examples?

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Under intense pressure of government officials and their immediate families losing their American visas, Guyana and several other Caribbean countries have scrapped their decades-old Cuban Medical Brigade agreements over Washington’s concerns about forced labour that it says amounts to human trafficking.

The Jamaican leader lamented the plight of Cubans at a time when the US has further tightened its more than 64-year-old trade and economic embargo since the removal of the Venezuela President from office.

The Trump administration has warned of tariffs if any country supplies fuels to Cuba. “Its people are part of our shared history. But today, the Cuban people face severe economic hardship, energy shortages, and growing humanitarian strain. Jamaica is sensitive to the struggles of the Cuban people,” Mr Holness said.

Weeks of no supplies have forced the virtual closure of the airport to international flights because refuelling is impossible. 

Dr Drew, who studied in Cuba and said he was in contact with Cubans on the Spanish-speaking island, appealed for regional unity in bringing urgent relief to Cuba now beset by food shortages, electricity outages and garbage pileups. “I can only feel the pain of those who treated me so well when I was a student. I can feel their challenges and their difficulties. I do not get involved in their politics, but as a matter of humanity, it is challenging. I would say it is almost impossible not to feel the pain that (is) the pain that is conveyed to me in messages and calls from those who I lived among,” he said.

Without naming the US, the Jamaican PM cautioned that “humanitarian suffering serves no one” before issuing a grim warning that the current conditions could spell several crises for the rest of the Caribbean. “Apart from our fraternal care and solidarity with the Cuban people, it must be clear that a prolonged crisis in Cuba will not remain confined to Cuba. It will affect migration, security, and economic stability across the Caribbean basin,” he said.

Dr Drew also feared that worsening conditions in Cuba, with a population of nine to 12 million, could adversely impact CARICOM member states whose combined population is fewer than 10 million. “A destabilized Cuba will destabilize all of us…Therefore, if a state within our community is so destabilised, it will affect all of us in the region. And as a matter of course, it is important that the community looks at the humanitarian issue in Cuba, treats it extremely seriously,” he said.

Mr Holness urged careful consideration and collective action, even as he stated categorically that Jamaica favours democracy, human rights, political accountability, and open market-based economies.

He said Jamaica does not believe that long-term stability can exist where economic freedom is constrained and political participation is limited. “This is not a moment for division in our community. It is a moment for maturity, for principled realism, and if we act wisely, for positive change in our hemisphere,” he said.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar – an unabashed US ally who has credited the presence of American troops in the Caribbean for 42 percent or 257 fewer murders in her country – chastised those CARICOM member states for supporting Cuba.

She accused sister member-governments of engaging in double standards by coming to power through democratic elections but at the same time supporting communism. 

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Latin America, TOLERANCE & SOLIDARITY