Marco Rubio calls for votes for Rosa María Payá at the IACHR: “Her commitment to human rights is unwavering.”

The American senator Marco Rubio publicly expressed his support for the candidacy of Cuban activist Rosa María Payá Acevedo to join the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), highlighting her "unyielding commitment" to freedom, democracy, and fundamental rights.

"His unwavering commitment to defending human rights, freedom, and democracy is a testament to his tireless struggle for a more prosperous hemisphere," Rubio wrote on his official X account (formerly Twitter).

“I have known Rosa María for more than ten years and I have no doubt that she will serve with integrity as a commissioner of the IACHR,” he emphasized.

Payá's candidacy, nominated by the United States government, also generated a wave of support among American political figures, who view her election as an opportunity to enhance the impact and credibility of the IACHR in the hemisphere.

The Republican representative María Elvira Salazar supported the nomination, emphasizing that Payá “has bravely defended freedom, human rights, and democratic values throughout the Americas.”

In his words, his choice would represent "a powerful step towards the restoration of the Commission's credibility."

On his part, Cuban-American Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart asserted that the Cuban activist “is widely recognized for promoting fundamental freedoms, human rights, and democratic governance.”

He added that her inclusion in the IACHR "will enhance the independent work of the Commission with a focus on human rights principles."

The nomination was announced by the State Department, which described Rosa María Payá as "a defender of democracy, a leader in human rights, and an internationally renowned expert in Latin American politics."

Daughter of the late opposition figure Oswaldo Payá Sardiñas, Rosa María has continued her family's democratic struggle legacy. She is the founder of the Cuba Decide project, which promotes a binding referendum allowing Cuban citizens to freely choose their political system, and she leads the Foundation for Pan American Democracy.

After learning of his nomination, Payá expressed his gratitude for the support through his social media and reaffirmed his commitment to the principles of the CIDH.

"I am deeply honored by the U.S. nomination to serve on the CIDH, a vital and independent institution dedicated to protecting the rights and dignity of all people throughout the Americas," she expressed on Instagram.

The elections to renew the members of the IACHR will take place on June 27, 2025, during the General Assembly of the OAS, scheduled in Antigua and Barbuda.

On this occasion, three commissioners will be elected for the period 2026–2029. The candidates have been nominated by the member states and have presented their proposals to the Permanent Council of the OAS in public sessions held in May.

The United States has nominated the Cuban activist Rosa María Payá, who has been a consistent voice in international forums. In her speech before the OAS General Assembly in 2024, she urged member states to unite against the dictatorial regimes of Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.

"It is time for the states of the Americas to unite against dictators," he claimed. "We invite you to demand the elimination of all political violence and the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners."

In addition to her institutional work, the activist hosts the program "Tú Decides" on Radio Martí, where she promotes peaceful activism and civic resistance against autocracies in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rosa María Payá's Candidacy for the IACHR