Rosa María Payá, a member of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (CIDH), confirmed that her recent trip to Mexico to participate in the forum “Cuba and Latin America: Six Decades of Authoritarianism” was of an “academic nature” and undertaken in a “personal capacity,” not as part of an official mission. The confirmation came after La Jornada newspaper reported on her visit and attendance at events associated with the political right in Mexico.
Payá, who assumed her position with the CIDH on January 1st and is thus entitled to diplomatic immunity under international law, stated via her X account that “defending democracy is not militaristic” and that she exercises this right “with transparency and a responsibility to which I have dedicated my life.” However, her participation in the forum, sponsored by the Centro Ricardo Salinas Pliego and held at the Universidad de la Libertad, was not publicly announced by the CIDH through official channels or social media.
During the forum, Payá participated in a panel discussion titled “The Hope of Democracy,” where she reportedly criticized the Cuban government and accused it of promoting regional projects such as the São Paulo Forum and “21st-century socialism,” according to reports.
The visit has drawn scrutiny from the Mexican government. President Claudia Sheinbaum, during her daily press conference, indicated that her administration would “review” Payá’s case. Sheinbaum stated that CIDH members “should not, if they come on behalf of the CIDH, take sides for one cause or another,” according to El País.
The Universidad de la Libertad is owned by businessman Ricardo Salinas Pliego, who, in mid-January, filed a complaint with the CIDH alleging political and fiscal persecution by the Mexican state. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that Payá made at least one prior, unpublicized trip to Mexico.
Payá’s appointment to the CIDH was reportedly supported by the Trump administration, specifically by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to La Jornada. The timing of her visit to Mexico coincides with a period of geopolitical tension, as the Sheinbaum administration has maintained its commitment to sending humanitarian aid to Cuba despite pressure from the U.S. Administration of Donald Trump, which has openly sought the collapse of the Cuban government.