Incarcerated people in Cuba are being forced to make cigars and charcoal for export to Europe, according to a new report by the NGO, Prisoners Defenders. The NGO estimates that at least 60,000 people work in forced labor under threats and unsafe conditions. The report describes a “national and institutionalized system of forced labor” tied to Cuba’s economic aims.

Trapped in prison labor

The investigation followed a report on forced prison labor presented to the UN Human Rights Council in 2024 by the UN special rapporteur on slavery. Between April and August 2025, Prisoners Defenders interviewed 53 individuals across 40 prisons, selected from a population of about 90,000 inmates, followed by an additional 60 interviews.

All respondents said they worked “under coercion, threats, violence or reprisals.” Nearly all lacked the proper tools or training and almost half said they experienced violence at work. Two of the eight women interviewed also said they endured sexual harassment from officers. One said she was sexually assaulted, but was denied medical or psychological care.

A former inmate interviewed by the Guardian explained how refusing to work came at a price. He said:

“They put a note in your file. When it’s time for parole or when you might get a visit with your family, they use this as justification to strip you of your rights.”

The report also highlights racial discrimination. Afro-Cubans make up about 34% of the population but 58% of those incarcerated. A Black former incarcerated individual told the Guardian that authorities sent most Black incarcerated people to forced labor, while assigning white incarcerated people easier work.

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