UNHCR continued providing international protection in the country, through mandate RSD. With support from the government, UNHCR ensures that refugees are protected against refoulement and that they have access to health and education services.
As of the end of 2020, Cuba hosted 226 mandate refugees (156 men, 42 women, 10 girls, 18 boys), of whom 188 are assisted by UNHCR, and 158 receive cash assistance to meet their basic needs. Of the total, 42.9% were students on governmental scholarships while 42.5% lacked legal status and the right to work after arriving in Cuba with tourist visas.
The Government continued to offer free health care, while all children had access to school. However, sanitary restrictions due to the pandemic affected the academic year, but especially education opportunities for adults.
During 2020, six people applied for RSD, 26 fewer than in 2019. 13 applications were accepted, 19 rejected, 1 closed and 9 remained pending as at end of 2020.
Resettlement remained the commonly suitable durable solution, with 88 people needing resettlement. UNHCR submitted 19 new cases of refugees, facilitated the departure of 12 refugees to resettlement countries, while 23 remained pending decision and 21 were pending travel. Another 67 refugees remained in need of resettlement and pending submission.
Some refugees continued enjoying full legal protection through permanent resident status, most of them having Cuban close relatives which helped them integrate.
With support from the Government, UNHCR continued delivering cash assistance to refugee students. Due to increased needs associated to the pandemic and thanks to funds available due to fewer new arrivals than expected, the percentage of assisted refugee students raised to 88.4%.