Dutch diplomat Caecilia Wijgers received the Palmer Prize for Diplomats in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius last weekend. The award is for promoting democracy under difficult circumstances. Ms Wijgers was acting ambassador in Cuba between 2005 and 2009.

Ms Wijgers feels honoured by the prize, which was awarded for the first time this year, but she does not want to take all the credit.

"The prize is a compliment for the diplomatic service. It is not something that happens often. I see it as a tribute to diplomacy, rather than a personal honour. It is also for all the people who helped me in Cuba."

Gay support group
"You are visible as a diplomat. That means you have to be careful. At the same time you can use the narrow margins in some countries to your advantage if you are creative. There is no need to do big things. It is important to connect with people in society who already have ideas that you agree with. And then you see that in practice you only need to do little things to help them get on and encourage a process of change."

One of the groups which Ms Wijgers worked with was a gay support group set up by Cuban students. "It is important for every person to find their own identity," says the diplomat. "But it is even more important in a communist society like Cuba." 

Human rights
Another group which Ms Wijgers followed closely was the Las Damas de Blanco, the 'ladies in white' who demonstrate every Sunday for the release of political prisoners. "Of course, as a diplomat, you cannot join them. But you can keep an eye on how such a group is being treated."

Monitoring and registering human rights violations was an important part of the job in Havana, an activity carried in a European Union context. Improving access to information is also very important.

"I am glad that Minister Uri Rosenthal has made access to the internet one of the key aspects of Dutch human rights policy."

Outside world
There has been no revolution in Cuba corresponding to the internet-inspired Arab Spring, says Ms Wijgers. Internet use is increasing in the country. The government uses it to spread its message and Cubans themselves know more and more about it. However, access to the internet is limited to hotels and the workplace; regular channels are censored.

Cubans increasingly use memory sticks to pass on electronic information. Others have found ways to get onto the worldwide web.

"There are a lot of creative Cubans who have found all kinds of ways to get access to the internet. Increasing numbers of bloggers are active and able to open the doors and windows to the outside world and spread their message."

Ms Wijgers has been working in The Hague for the past two years, but she still feels a connection with the Cuban people.

"Cuba is of course a wonderful country that really grows on you. I lived there for four years and built up friendships. That doesn't just go away, even when you are based somewhere else."

(nc/imm)