Cuban society / politics / neighbourhoods
CDR in Cuba: Community Role, Surveillance and Controversies
The Committees for the Defense of the Revolution, usually called CDRs, have been part of Cuba’s social and political landscape since 1960.
Quick answer
CDRs are neighbourhood organizations created on September 28, 1960. Cuban authorities emphasize blood drives, health campaigns, civil protection and community support. Critics emphasize their historical role in political vigilance, information gathering and pressure against opponents.
What are the CDRs?
CDRs are organized at block, neighbourhood, municipal and provincial levels. They are not a police service in the administrative sense, but they form a local network that can mobilize residents for public campaigns, community work and state-organized activities.
Why were they created?
Fidel Castro announced the CDR system on September 28, 1960, during the early years of the Cuban Revolution. The country was experiencing intense political conflict and fears of sabotage or attacks against the new government.
Their foundation therefore combined popular mobilization, neighbourhood organization and protection of the revolutionary government.
Community functions
- Blood donation campaigns.
- Neighbourhood cleaning and maintenance.
- Public information during hurricanes and emergencies.
- Health and vaccination campaigns.
- Meetings, collective activities and neighbourhood celebrations.
Their visibility and activity now vary considerably from one street or neighbourhood to another.
Surveillance and controversy
The most controversial aspect is the historical function of revolutionary vigilance. Local representatives could report behaviour considered suspicious, political activities or a resident’s attitude toward the government.
Cuban authorities describe CDRs as organizations of participation, prevention and solidarity. Critics describe them as networks that encourage social surveillance, political pressure and self-censorship.
Two documented interpretations
| Official presentation |
Criticism and risk |
| Blood drives and health campaigns. |
Possible social pressure to participate in official activities. |
| Cleaning, recycling and help for vulnerable residents. |
Collection of personal information about neighbours. |
| Hurricane preparation and emergency communication. |
Reporting political views or behaviour considered hostile. |
| Neighbourhood celebrations and mobilization. |
Alleged participation in intimidation or acts of repudiation. |
These dimensions can coexist. A committee may have helped vulnerable residents during a hurricane while also participating at another time in mechanisms of political pressure or surveillance.
What visitors may notice
Travellers may see signs, murals or meeting points carrying the CDR name. These are elements of local life, not tourist attractions. Understanding them can help explain how official organizations, neighbourhood relationships and politics intersect in everyday Cuba.
Related English guides
Summary
Created in 1960, the CDRs combine neighbourhood mobilization and community functions with a contested history of political vigilance. Their role varies locally and remains a useful example of the tension between collective solidarity and state control in Cuba.
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