Defying Dictatorships: Rosa María Payá’s Landmark Victory at the IACHR

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 27, 2025

DEMOCRATIC SPACES Celebrates Rosa María Payá’s Election as IACHR Commissioner for 2026–2029

Toronto, Canada — Democratic Spaces, a Canadian human rights organization dedicated to strengthening democracy and civil society, proudly welcomes the election of Rosa María Payá as Commissioner to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) for the 2026–2029 term, confirmed today at the 55th Regular Session of the OAS General Assembly in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.

Ms. Payá is the first Cuban ever elected to serve as a Commissioner of the IACHR and secured the highest number of votes among all candidates, with 20 out of 32 countries supporting her candidacy. This outcome represents a success of U.S. diplomacy in the region and a clear demonstration of the Cuban regime’s failing influence in the hemisphere, despite its efforts to silence dissenting voices through character assassination campaigns and complicity.

An internationally recognized human rights advocate, Ms. Payá’s lifelong commitment to democracy, freedom of expression, and the defense of human dignity makes her uniquely qualified to strengthen the IACHR’s vital mission. As founder of the Fundación para la Democracia Panamericana and leader of Cuba Decide, she has tirelessly advanced citizen empowerment, democratic governance, and the right of people to determine their own futures through free and fair elections.

Rosa María Payá’s leadership has inspired pro-democracy movements across Latin America, championing political prisoners, independent journalists, and victims of authoritarian regimes not only in Cuba, but also in Venezuela, Nicaragua, and other parts of the region. Her advocacy for gender equality, youth empowerment, and the rule of law resonates deeply with Canada’s own foreign policy values and commitment to hemispheric human rights.

Ms. Payá’s personal courage stems from her own experience as a survivor of state violence. In 2012, her father, Oswaldo Payá, founder of Cuba’s Christian Liberation Movement, was killed under circumstances later documented by the IACHR as attributable to the Cuban government. Rosa María Payá has since continued the struggle for truth and accountability, giving hope to victims of repression throughout the Americas.

In 2022, Democratic Spaces collaborated with Ms. Payá and Canadian human rights lawyer Sarah Teich to raise awareness in Canada about the deteriorating human rights situation in Cuba. Together, they engaged Parliamentarians, Senators, and civil society organizations, building solidarity around democratic reform and the protection of human rights defenders.

“Rosa María Payá’s election represents a powerful step toward reinforcing the independence, credibility, and courage of the Inter-American Commission,” said Michael Lima, Founder and Director of Democratic Spaces. “Her voice will help safeguard fundamental freedoms and inspire democratic renewal throughout the Americas at a critical moment of rising authoritarianism and transnational repression.”

Democratic Spaces extends heartfelt congratulations to Rosa María Payá and expresses its gratitude to Canada and all states that supported her election. We look forward to working collaboratively to advance human rights, protect civil society, and uphold democratic values across the hemisphere.

Contact:
Michael Lima, M.A.
Founder & Director, Democratic Spaces
DemocraticSpaces.com