Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum raised concerns on Wednesday regarding the presence of Rosa María Payá, a member of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), in Mexico. According to La Jornada, Sheinbaum questioned Payá's involvement in actions perceived as opposition to Cuba.
During her morning press briefing, Sheinbaum emphasized that individuals representing the IACHR should focus on human rights complaints rather than engaging in political advocacy. "If they come on behalf of the Commission, they cannot advocate for any cause but should instead address complaints," she asserted.
Following the report by La Jornada, Sheinbaum requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide details regarding Payá's visit. Although she does not support Article 33 of the Constitution—which permits the expulsion of foreigners for political activities—she stressed the importance of transparency concerning the nature of such visits.
Sheinbaum further alleged that right-wing organizations, through digital platforms, have spread false information aimed at discrediting her administration. Despite this, she maintained her stance against censorship while advocating for confronting misinformation.
La Jornada previously reported that Payá, an anti-Castro activist and IACHR member since January 1 of this year, has made recent unofficial visits to Mexico, engaging with local right-wing sectors without any public disclosure of an official agenda. The report noted her participation in a January 22 event titled "Cuba and Latin America, Six Decades of Authoritarianism," hosted in Mexico City by the University of Liberty, founded by businessman Ricardo Salinas Pliego.
During this forum, Payá criticized the Cuban government and addressed regional initiatives such as the Sao Paulo Forum and 21st-century socialism. The IACHR has not released statements regarding any formal agenda for Payá during these visits, nor has it been clarified if she entered Mexico under diplomatic immunity or as a tourist.
Payá, an American citizen of Cuban descent, was elected as an IACHR commissioner in June 2025, with backing from the Trump administration and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Since her appointment, she has actively participated in international forums and social media, voicing criticism of the Cuban regime.
Rosa María Payá's Activities and Impact on Mexico-Cuba Relations
What concerns did Claudia Sheinbaum express regarding Rosa María Payá's visit to Mexico?
Sheinbaum questioned Payá's presence in Mexico due to her perceived involvement in actions against Cuba, stressing that representatives of the IACHR should focus on human rights complaints rather than political advocacy.
Has the IACHR released any statements regarding Rosa María Payá's activities in Mexico?
No formal statements have been released by the IACHR concerning any official agenda for Payá's activities in Mexico during her visits.
What platforms did Sheinbaum accuse of spreading misinformation about her government?
Sheinbaum accused right-wing organizations of using digital platforms to disseminate false information intended to tarnish her administration's reputation.