VOC Congratulates Rosa María Payá on Election to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights

The Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation (VOC) proudly congratulates Rosa María Payá on her historic election as a commissioner to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) during the 55th General Assembly of the Organization of American States. Payá’s steadfast commitment to confronting the horrors of communism and championing human rights and democracy across the Americas makes her an exemplary choice for this critical role.

Rosa María Payá, a Cuban human rights and democracy activist, has dedicated her life to dismantling the oppressive legacy of communist regimes, particularly in her native Cuba. As the founder of Cuba Decide and president of the Latin American Youth Network for Democracy, she has fearlessly advocated for freedom, drawing from the legacy of her father, Oswaldo Payá, a slain pro-democracy activist. Her election to the IACHR marks a significant victory for those who oppose authoritarianism and seek justice for the victims of communism.

VOC extends its gratitude to the Trump Administration and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for nominating Rosa María Payá for this role. Their decision to champion a proven anticommunist and human rights advocate reflects a bold commitment to advancing America First’s principles and countering the spread of totalitarian ideologies in the Western Hemisphere.

“Rosa María Payá’s election is a triumph for the cause of liberty and a powerful rebuke to the tyrannical regimes that continue to oppress millions,” said Dr. Eric Patterson, President and CEO of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation. “Her lifelong fight against communism embodies the values we uphold at VOC. We are confident she will bring moral clarity and unrelenting resolve to the IACHR, ensuring that the voices of the oppressed are heard and their rights defended.”

Yuri Perez, VOC’s Director for Latin America, also expressed his admiration: “Rosa María’s election is a beacon of hope for those suffering under communist and socialist dictatorships in Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Bolivia, and beyond. Her courage in exposing the Cuban regime’s role in exporting repression across the region will strengthen the IACHR’s mission to hold authoritarian regimes accountable. We at VOC are looking forward to continuing to support her in her IACHR role.”Payá’s track record as an internationally respected advocate for democracy and her outspoken criticism of communist regimes’ human rights abuses, including Cuba’s influence in Venezuela and Nicaragua, align with VOC’s mission to commemorate the more than 100 million victims of communism and pursue freedom for those still under totalitarian rule. The Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation once again pledges our continued support as she undertakes this vital work on behalf of the oppressed and calls on all OAS member states to stand with her in defending freedom throughout the Americas.

Rosa María Payá is a featured speaker at VOC’s upcoming Captive Nations Summit on July 14 at the Victims of Communism Museum in Washington, D.C. To learn more about Payá’s work fighting for human rights in Cuba and the enduring legacy of her father, Oswaldo Payá, watch VOC’s Witness Project documentary.