The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Thursday that it was not informed in advance about the visit to Mexico by Cuban Rosa María Payá, a commissioner of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). The government emphasized the need for adherence to established diplomatic norms and practices.
In Statement No. 024/2026, the Ministry noted that it learned of Payá's participation in a forum organized by various groups in Mexico City last January through media reports.
The Ministry highlighted that, under Article 12 of the IACHR Statute, commissioners are granted immunities recognized by international law applicable to diplomatic agents.
Therefore, there is an established institutional practice requiring prior notification of any official or private visits to the country, as well as any activities they intend to undertake.
According to the statement, the Ministry did not receive any prior notification from the commissioner about her trip to Mexico.
In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a diplomatic note to the IACHR Executive Secretariat, stressing the importance of commissioners adhering to established protocols.
The Ministry also emphasized that, according to Article 4 of the Commission's Statute, the position of commissioner is incompatible with activities that could compromise their independence or impartiality.
The Mexican government reaffirmed its commitment to human rights and maintaining an institutional relationship with international bodies based on dialogue, cooperation, and respect for diplomatic norms.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed concerns on Wednesday about Rosa María Payá's presence in the country, citing her actions against Cuba, as reported by La Jornada.
During her morning conference, Sheinbaum stated that if someone visits Mexico representing the IACHR, their role should be focused on addressing human rights complaints rather than political advocacy.
"If they come on behalf of the Commission, they cannot advocate for any cause but should instead review complaints," Sheinbaum asserted.
In response to President Claudia Sheinbaum's comments, Payá clarified that her recent visit to Mexico was of an academic nature and conducted in a personal capacity, not as part of an official mission.
"My recent visit to Mexico was academic in nature and conducted personally, not on an official mission," Payá stated on her X profile, addressing the controversy following the Mexican leader's remarks.
Understanding Diplomatic Norms and Rosa María Payá's Visit
Why did the Mexican government issue a statement about Rosa María Payá's visit?
The Mexican government issued a statement because it was not informed in advance about Rosa María Payá's visit, which goes against the established diplomatic norms requiring notification of such visits.
What did President Claudia Sheinbaum say about Rosa María Payá's activities in Mexico?
President Claudia Sheinbaum criticized Rosa María Payá for promoting actions against Cuba while in Mexico, emphasizing that IACHR representatives should focus solely on addressing human rights complaints.
How did Rosa María Payá respond to the Mexican government's concerns?
Rosa María Payá stated that her visit to Mexico was for academic purposes and done in a personal capacity, not as an official mission of the IACHR.