The U.S. government announced this Wednesday the nomination of the Cuban activist Rosa María Payá Acevedo as a candidate to join the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), an autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS).
"Rosa María Payá is a democracy advocate, human rights leader, and internationally renowned expert in Latin American politics," stated the Department of State in an official statement.
The nomination underscores Washington's support for the work that the Cuban activist has done in promoting human rights, freedom, and democratic governance in the Western Hemisphere.
A family legacy of struggle for democracy
Daughter of the deceased opposition leader Oswaldo Payá Sardiñas, who was awarded the Sakharov Prize and died under circumstances that have never been officially clarified, Rosa María has continued his legacy with "unmatched determination," the State Department highlighted.
Payá is the founder of the Cuba Decide movement, which promotes a binding plebiscite for Cubans to freely and democratically choose their political future. She also leads the Pan-American Democracy Foundation, through which she collaborates with legislators from various countries to support regional stability and security.
Among the recognitions he has received are the Morris Abram Award for Human Rights (2019) and the Valor Award from the Society of Common Sense (2022).
Candidate's reaction: "I feel deeply honored."
After the announcement, Rosa María Payá thanked for the nomination through her Instagram account, where she expressed her commitment to the principles of the IACHR.
"I am deeply honored by the United States nomination to serve on the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, a vital and independent institution dedicated to protecting the rights and dignity of all people across the Americas," she wrote.
He also thanked the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, for supporting his candidacy and reaffirmed his commitment to "advancing the mission of defending human rights in the region."
The elections to renew the members of the CIDH will be held on June 27, during the General Assembly of the OAS taking place in Antigua and Barbuda.
Call to Action Against Dictatorships
The activist has been a consistent figure in hemispheric forums. In her address to the OAS General Assembly in 2024, Payá urged member states to unite against the dictatorial regimes in Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.
"It is time for the states of the Americas to unite against dictators. We invite you to demand that the dictatorships eliminate all forms of political violence and to call for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners," he declared.
Active voice in the media
In addition to her institutional work, Rosa María Payá hosts the program "Tú Decides," aired on Radio Martí, where she promotes peaceful activism as a means to demand the rights violated by the Cuban regime and other autocracies in the region.
Payá's nomination to the CIDH represents a significant step in the visibility of Cuban civil society in international organizations and strengthens the United States' commitment to promoting profiles with a history of opposing authoritarian regimes in the Americas.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rosa María Payá's Nomination to the IACHR and Her Activism
Who is Rosa María Payá and why is her nomination to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights relevant?
Rosa María Payá is a Cuban activist and human rights advocate, known for her fight for democracy in Cuba. Payá's nomination to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) by the United States is significant because it represents support for her work in promoting human rights and democratic governance in Latin America. Her activism is a continuation of her father's legacy, Oswaldo Payá, a prominent opponent of the Cuban regime.
What is the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and what is its function?
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) is an autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS) responsible for promoting and protecting human rights on the American continent. Its main function is to monitor the human rights situation in member countries, receive petitions and cases of violations, and issue recommendations and precautionary measures for the protection of victims. The IACHR plays a crucial role in the defense of fundamental rights in the region.
What has been Rosa María Payá's career in defending human rights?
Rosa María Payá has been a prominent figure in the defense of human rights and democracy in Cuba and Latin America. She is the founder of the Cuba Decide movement, which promotes a binding plebiscite so that Cubans can freely choose their political future. Additionally, she leads the Pan American Democracy Foundation and has collaborated with lawmakers from various countries to promote regional stability and security. She has received accolades such as the Morris Abram Human Rights Award and the Courage Award from the Society of Common Sense.
What has been Rosa María Payá's reaction to her nomination to the IACHR?
Rosa María Payá expressed that she feels "deeply honored" by her nomination to the IACHR and reaffirmed her commitment to the principles of the commission. She thanked the support of Secretary of State Marco Rubio and reiterated her willingness to advance the mission of defending human rights in the region. Payá has shown her readiness to serve in this vital institution for the protection of the rights and dignity of individuals in the Americas.
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