- Political dissent. The Cuban government has a long history of suppressing political dissent. This includes anything from speaking out against the government to writing critical articles to organizing protests.
- Freedom of the press. The Cuban government controls all media outlets in the country. This means that Cubans are only able to get information that the government wants them to have.
- Freedom of assembly. Cubans are not allowed to gather in public without the permission of the government. This makes it difficult for them to organize protests or other forms of collective action.
- Freedom of religion. The Cuban government has a long history of persecuting religious groups that it does not approve of. This includes everything from Jehovah's Witnesses to Pentecostals.
- Private enterprise. The Cuban government controls the vast majority of the economy. This makes it difficult for Cubans to start their own businesses or work for themselves.
- Travel. Cubans are not allowed to travel outside of the country without the permission of the government. This makes it difficult for them to visit family members who live abroad or to escape from persecution.
- Internet access. The Cuban government controls all internet access in the country. This makes it difficult for Cubans to get information from outside of the country or to communicate with people abroad.
- Buying property. Foreigners cannot own property in Cuba. This makes it difficult for them to invest in the country or to retire there.
- Importing food. The Cuban government controls all food imports into the country. This makes it difficult for Cubans to get the food that they need.
- Selling food. Cubans are not allowed to sell food without the permission of the government. This makes it difficult for them to make a living or to feed their families.