The United States is excited to announce Rosa María Payá as its candidate for the upcoming elections to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), set to take place on June 27, 2025, during the Organization of American States (OAS) General Assembly in Antigua and Barbuda.
Rosa María Payá is a distinguished democracy advocate and a key figure in the fight for human rights across Latin America. She is the Executive Director of the Foundation for Pan-American Democracy, where she works tirelessly to promote security, rights, and democratic governance throughout the region.
As the founder of Cuba Decide, she leads a prominent movement advocating for democracy by uniting Cuban civil society and opposition groups, pushing for political change via a binding plebiscite. Continuing her late father’s legacy, Oswaldo Payá, she remains devoted to these ideals, recognised for her efforts with awards such as the Morris Abram Human Rights Award and the Common-Sense Society Courage Award.
The IACHR, a bastion of human rights for OAS member states, plays a vital role in improving societal conditions through issuing reports on human rights cases and offering recommendations. With a history spanning 65 years, its seven independent commissioners are acclaimed experts, ensuring that the Commission’s work remains objective and free from government influence.
Promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms, as per the American Declaration on the Rights and Duties of Man and the Inter-American Democratic Charter, is central to U.S. foreign policy. The U.S. proudly supports IACHR, advocating for its autonomy and independence as a cornerstone of its human rights agenda in the region.
The United States has nominated Rosa María Payá for the IACHR elections in 2025. Payá is well-known for her advocacy for human rights and democracy, particularly in Cuba. The IACHR plays an essential role in monitoring human rights across member states. The U.S. emphasises the importance of supporting the Commission’s independence in its foreign policy.
In summary, Rosa María Payá’s candidacy for the IACHR exemplifies the United States’ commitment to advancing human rights and democratic governance. Her extensive experience and dedication to these ideals resonate with the IACHR’s mission to uphold rights across the Americas. The support for the Commission’s autonomy reflects a broader U.S. policy aimed at championing human freedoms throughout the region.
Original Source: www.state.gov
