- The Guardian
- Issue #2187
ACFS group shot
From 17 to 19 April, Australia-Cuba Friendship Society members from around Australia gathered in Canberra for the annual national Consultation. The event opened up with a social night expertly managed by the Canberra ACFS. Delegates heard from the new Cuban Ambassador Gilma Moreira Lino, and others on the unjust and inhumane US blockade, which has been severely ramped up by the Trump administration.
That blockade costs lives and makes the simplest aspects of daily life difficult for Cuban people in ways it’s hard for Australians to understand.
Many of the ACFS members at the Consultation have been to Cuba, either independently or as part of the annual Southern Cross Brigade which visits Cuba in solidarity. They’ve seen first hand the brutal effects of the blockade. They’ve also seen first hand the resilience and spirit of the Cuban people.
The Consultation passed a resolution which will be a plan for action for the coming year in terms of concrete support for Cuba and its revolution.
After the Consultation finished, delegates demonstrated at the US Embassy, making it clear that we stand in solidarity with Cuba and resolutely support its people in their struggle against US imperialism.
Anyone interested in supporting Cuba is encouraged to get in touch with their local ACFS branch and/or go on the Southern Cross Brigade.
As we chanted loud and clear at the US embassy: LET CUBA LIVE!
HANDS OFF CUBA!
Final Declaration of the 41st National Consultation of the Australia-Cuba Friendship Society
This meeting of participating delegates to the 41st National Consultation of the Australia-Cuba Friendship Society meeting in Canberra focused on the increasing economic aggression against Cuba, including the oil blockade, by the United States. For more than 60 years Cuba has faced unrelenting violations of international law, and the result of the illegal blockade is a humanitarian disaster and amounts to the collective punishment of the Cuban people.
This gathering saw activists from around the country reaffirm their commitment to defending and supporting the Cuban Revolution and its people.
WE COMMIT TO
1. Working together to demand that:
a. the United States end the illegal blockade on Cuba, and remove Cuba as an alleged state sponsor of terrorism;
b. the Australian Government condemn the ongoing US attacks on Cuba’s sovereignty and right to life;
c. the Australian Government to commit to aid for Cuba, and for an independent foreign policy that does not take part in any form in the US sanctions against Cuba.
2. Immediate mobilisation in the face of armed aggression against Cuba by, or on behalf of, the United States regime and allied forces.
3. Combatting false narratives about Cuba promoted by mainstream media and linked to major political and economic powers. We will continue to fight for and demand public access to information about Cuba and its people that is accurate, unbiased and truthful. We will work to engage with the mainstream and independent media to dispel false narratives.
4. Encourage Members of the Commonwealth Parliament to join the Parliamentary Friends of Cuba group.
5. To work with and mobilise all the forces which express genuine solidarity with Cuba, including trade unions, parliamentarians (at all levels) and Australian society in general. This includes endorsement by trade unions of petitions, open letters, and involvement in the Southern Cross Brigade.
6. Raising funds as branches and collectively for vital projects in support of the Cuban people, especially in collaboration with the Cuban Institute for Friendship Amongst Peoples (ICAP).
7. Actively participate in international campaigns that provide material and political support for Cuba.
8. We will build the Southern Cross Brigade as a key part of our movement. The brigade inspires people and we will build it through collaborations with trade unionists, university students, international activists, and other community organisations.
9. To work, in coordination with Cuban institutions and mass organisations, to take Cuba’s example of emancipation, social justice, equity, development, international solidarity and human rights to the world.
10. In the 100th year since Fidel’s birth, we commit to continuing our defence and promotion of the ideals of the Cuban Revolution. Fidel’s political contributions and his ethical and political example are his legacy to the peoples of the world. We will support the fundamental contribution made by the Fidel Castro Ruz Centre in Havana and will support the Fidel International Colloquium in August.
Cuba is not alone!
Canberra, 19 April 2026
