Journal Title
Journal of National Security Law
Volume
3
Issue
1
First Page
11
Document Type
Article
Publication Information
1999
Abstract
The United States should develop a specific plan to take advantage of the opportunity to promote human rights values in the post-Castro Cuban military. United States military judge advocates are uniquely qualified to execute this plan and assist the post-Castro Cuban military to internalize respect and protection of human rights as part of its fundamental reason for existence. The development of such a human rights training program is not only a morally correct activity for the United States military to pursue, but given the never ending struggle to promote America’s national security within the framework of a shrinking defense budget, the use of United States judge advocates is also an extremely wise use of limited resources.
While other non-traditional military activities directed at drug reduction, disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, and nation building reduce human suffering and misery at the individual level, assisting in the institutionalization of basic internationally recognized human rights in foreign militaries, such as Cuba’s, has the potential to directly reduce the threat of aggressive warfare. United States military attorneys must prepare now to be ready to work together with the new Cuban armed forces.
Recommended Citation
Jeffrey F. Addicott & Col. Manuel Supervielle, Promoting Human Rights Values in Cuba’s Post-Castro Military, 3 J. Nat'l Sec. L. 11 (1999).