About Us
Who are we?
The “Fundación para la Democracia Panamericana (FDP)” was established in 2015 by a group of Cuban and Cuban-American citizens concerned about the continued oppression and violation of human rights in Cuba and the need to uphold and promote democracy in the Americas. The Foundation has no political or religious affiliation and collaborates with local and international agencies and organizations committed to democracy and respect for human rights.
The FDP is a non-profit public charity organization registered under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to expand its reach and effectively carryout the mission of promoting and defending democracy in areas where citizens are deprived of these rights.
The Foundation is managed by a Board of Directors. In addition, the Foundation has an advisory board. These individuals have joined with their respective networks to take action. We invite you to join and support us.
Vision
The Americas become a network of countries that uphold democracy and respect human rights.
Mission
To promote and defend democracy and human rights in the Panamerican region.
Objectives
- Serve as an institutional platform for promoting pro-democracy campaigns in the region
- Promote citizen participation in the electoral process and election of representatives
- Promote awareness about the need for fair laws and the implementation of due process
- Promote the rule of law in countries where it is threatened
- Educate and empower citizens regarding pathways to democracy
Inspiration
Our organization is grounded in the basic principles of individual freedoms, democracy, and human rights. We draw inspiration from world leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Václav Havel, Oswaldo Payá, and Lech Walesa. All who boldly upheld these principles, leading their countries on the path to democracy during trying times. FDP is focused on promoting these principles in the Americas.
FDP supports the Organization of American State’s (OAS) Inter-American Democratic Charter, which in 2001 declared that democracy should be the common form of government for all countries of the Americas. As stated in its Article 1:
“The peoples of the Americas have a right to democracy, and their governments have an obligation to promote and defend it.
Democracy is essential for the social, political, and economic development of the peoples of the Americas.”
We are also inspired by the legacy of fellow Cubans Ignacio Agramonte, Antonio Maceo and José Martí, patriots who gave their lives fighting for independence in Cuba. More recently, we are also moved by the legacies of martyrs like Pedro Luis Boitel, Oswaldo Payá, Harold Cepero, Laura Pollan, Orlando Zapata Tamayo, and so many more whose lives were taken in their quest for preserving these principles in Cuba.
We continue to be motivated by the courage of present day dissidents in Cuba who risk their lives and struggle under hostile circumstances in claiming respect for personal dignity and human rights in Cuba.
Leadership
The organization was founded by Rosa Maria Payá and is governed by a Board of Directors and Officers for educational and charitable purposes.
Inspired by her father’s legacy, Rosa Maria Payá has evolved the mission of the FDP to address present day socio-political challenges in Cuba and the Panamerican region. In this respect we also promote the importance of transitional justice to guarantee a successful long term Democracy.
In addition to educating and promoting human rights globally and addressing related concerns in the Americas, the current major project of FDP is to promote the Cuba Decide campaign to hold a Binding Plebiscite in Cuba. This Binding Plebiscite would allow Cuban citizens to vote for or against adopting a democratic system.