South Florida Sun-Sentinel Editorial Board

This year's United Nations Commission on Human Rights deliberations on Cuba must not again degenerate into a shouting match. They must be a focused effort that actually accomplishes something -- namely, to improve the cruel conditions under which wrongly imprisoned dissidents and others are being held in Cuban jails.

The United Nations commission convenes in Geneva next month for 50 days of accusations and condemnations of human rights abuses around the world. As it has
been many times before, Cuba will be a primary, and contentious, focus of debate.

This year, however, the Cuba topic carries a greater sense of urgency. The hasty and unfair convictions of 75 dissidents last spring elicited scorn toward Cuba. The
contempt is now matched by deep concerns about the living conditions of those dissidents and others jailed for their political beliefs.

The prisoners, in letters and infrequent meetings with family members, have told of living in terribly unsanitary cells. They talk of putrid toilets, spoiled food and
contaminated water. Some are reportedly kept in solitary confinement.

Families report many are losing weight, or are sick with high blood pressure, liver problems, diarrhea and other illnesses. Cuban human rights groups say at least 10
are so sick they should be allowed to serve out their sentences at home.

That these individuals are even in jail is an injustice. No one on this planet should ever be held in detention for merely speaking his mind, or harboring thoughts that
disagree with the government's. Their plight in prison must be addressed with urgency so they are at least held in decent conditions.

Can the Human Rights Commission make a difference? History suggests not.

The U.N. group has censured Cuba almost every year for the past decade. But things never get better, partly because many see the vote, depending on who wins,
as the result of arm-twisting by U.S. diplomats or the ability of Cuban officials to convincingly play the role of imperialist victims. As a result, the whole process
becomes a political football, and it is perceived as such by the larger world community.

That's why the Human Rights Commission must resolve to make this year different.

It must focus on the terrible hardship these dissidents and others imprisoned for their views are enduring. It must work to make a difference for them. And if it does,
perhaps the Human Rights Commission's work will be seen as a more sincere effort, and not as political sport.

Copyright © 2004