On Tuesday 20th May, 2025, the Honourable Sean Sobers M.P., Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, met with Ms. Rosa Mariá Payá, a leading candidate for Commissioner in the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). Accompanied by Dr. Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz, Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of the United States of America, Ms. Payá's courtesy call at the Ministry's headquarters focused on pressing issues facing the IACHR and the broader human rights landscape in the Americas.
Ms. Payá was in Trinidad and Tobago as part of her campaign for the upcoming IACHR election, slated to occur during the 55th Regular Session of the OAS from June 25th to 27th, 2025, in Antigua and Barbuda.
Discussions between Minister Sobers and Ms. Payá delved into the critical challenges currently confronting the IACHR, including its operational effectiveness and its role in addressing human rights violations across the region. Ms. Payá presented her vision for improving the body, emphasizing her commitment to fostering greater dialogue and collaboration between the IACHR and Member States. She highlighted her extensive experience in human rights advocacy as a key asset in facilitating these crucial discussions and enhancing the IACHR's overall functioning.
Minister Sobers extended his best wishes to Ms. Payá for the upcoming IACHR elections, acknowledging the significance of her candidacy for the future of human rights protection in the Americas.
