The defense of civil rights and liberties is at the heart of Armando Labrador’s civic work and is most clearly embodied through the Cuba Primero movement.
Cuba Primero is a peaceful, non-violent civic movement focused on defending fundamental freedoms, promoting democratic values, and supporting citizens who engage in ethical, civic participation under conditions of repression.
This work is grounded in the belief that freedom is not an abstraction, but a daily reality shaped by the ability to speak, associate, believe, and live without fear.
Cuba Primero: A Civic Movement
Cuba Primero was created as a citizen-centered movement, not a political party, armed group, or institutional organization.
Its foundation rests on three core principles:
- Primacy of human dignity
- Non-violence as a moral and strategic choice
- Civic action rooted in conscience and responsibility
The movement affirms that Cuba’s future must be shaped by its people through peaceful civic engagement, respect for pluralism, and the rule of law.
Defending Fundamental Freedoms
Cuba Primero focuses on defending rights universally recognized under international human rights standards, including:
- Freedom of expression — the right to speak, think, and inform without fear
- Freedom of association — the right to organize peacefully and independently
- Freedom of conscience and belief — the right to moral, religious, and ideological autonomy
- Protection from arbitrary repression — including detention, harassment, and intimidation
These freedoms are essential not only for political life, but for human dignity and social trust.
Non-Violent Civic Resistance
A defining characteristic of Cuba Primero is its commitment to non-violent civic resistance.
The movement rejects violence, coercion, and dehumanization, emphasizing instead:
- Peaceful civic participation
- Ethical resistance grounded in conscience
- Mutual aid and solidarity among citizens
- Moral clarity in the face of repression
Non-violence is not passivity. It is an active, deliberate stance that preserves legitimacy, protects lives, and builds the foundation for sustainable democratic change.
Supporting Civic Courage
Cuba Primero recognizes the extraordinary courage of individuals who choose to act ethically in restrictive environments.
This work supports:
- Civic awareness and moral leadership
- Solidarity with prisoners of conscience and persecuted citizens
- Protection of families affected by repression
- A culture of peaceful resistance rooted in dignity
The movement exists to stand with people, not to speak over them.
A Civic Vision for Cuba
Cuba Primero advances a vision of Cuba where:
- Rights are guaranteed by law, not discretion
- Pluralism is respected, not punished
- Civic participation is encouraged, not criminalized
- Differences are resolved through dialogue, not force
This vision is democratic, inclusive, and fundamentally peaceful.
Civil Rights as a Foundation for the Future
Without civil rights and liberties, humanitarian relief is temporary and advocacy is incomplete.
Cuba Primero understands that lasting change requires free citizens, capable of shaping their own future without fear. The defense of civil rights is therefore not a secondary cause—it is the foundation upon which all other efforts rest.
Commitment Without Extremism
Cuba Primero explicitly rejects:
- Violence and armed struggle
- Hate speech or collective blame
- Ideological dogmatism
- Political exploitation of suffering
Its strength lies in credibility, restraint, and moral consistency.
A Long-Term Civic Commitment
The defense of civil rights is not a campaign—it is a commitment.
Through Cuba Primero, this work contributes to a long-term, peaceful civic process aimed at restoring dignity, rights, and democratic values to Cuban society.