Related videos:
The Secretariat of Foreign Affairs reported this Thursday that it did not receive prior notification regarding the visit to Mexico by the commissioner of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, the Cuban Rosa María Payá, and demanded respect for established diplomatic norms and practices.
In Press Release No. 024/2026, the Foreign Ministry indicated that it became aware, through media outlets, of Payá's participation in a forum organized by organizations in Mexico City last January.
The SRE reminded that, in accordance with Article 12 of the CIDH Statute, the members of the Commission enjoy immunities recognized under international law for diplomatic agents.
For this reason, there is an institutional practice whereby they must provide prior notice regarding any official or private visits they make to the country, as well as the activities they intend to undertake.
According to the statement, the Foreign Ministry did not receive any notification from the commissioner regarding the trip to Mexico.
In light of this situation, the Secretariat of Foreign Relations sent a diplomatic note to the Executive Secretariat of the IACHR to reiterate the importance of the commissioners adhering to established practice.
The department also emphasized that, according to Article 4 of the Commission's Statute, the position of commissioner is incompatible with activities that could affect their independence or impartiality.
The Government of Mexico reiterated its commitment to the respect for human rights and to an institutional relationship with international bodies based on dialogue, cooperation, and respect for diplomatic norms.
The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, questioned on Wednesday the presence of Rosa María Payá in the country, a member of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), for promoting actions against Cuba, as reported by La Jornada.
During her morning conference, Sheinbaum stated that if a person comes to Mexico representing the IACHR, their role should be limited to addressing complaints about human rights and not to advocate for a political cause.
"If they come on behalf of the Commission, they cannot support one cause or another, but rather must review whether there are complaints," he affirmed.
Payá, for her part, responded to the statements made by the president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, and asserted that her recent visit to the country was of an academic nature and in a personal capacity, not as part of an official mission.
"My recent visit to Mexico was for academic purposes in a personal capacity and not on an official mission," Payá stated on his X profile, referring to the controversy generated following the statements of the Mexican president.
Filed under: