Rosa María Payá, a member of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (CIDH), made a non-official visit to Mexico to attend a forum organized by the Universidad de la Libertad, owned by businessman Ricardo Salinas Pliego. During her stay in Mexico City, she engaged with local right-wing factions. Payá's attendance at the forum titled 'Cuba and Latin America: Six Decades of Authoritarianism' highlights the current political climate surrounding Cuban affairs and the ongoing criticism of the Cuban government from various international and domestic observers.

The Mexican president, Claudia Sheinbaum, criticized the activism of the CIDH commissioner, which reflects a growing divide between the Mexican government and dissident voices from Cuba. Sheinbaum's denunciation of Payá's activities signifies the complex nature of Mexican-Cuban relations, particularly as Mexico navigates its own political landscape while considering the opposition to authoritarianism in Cuba. Payá’s position as a representative of the Cuban exiled community adds another layer to her visit's significance.

The timing of Payá's visit coincides with heightened scrutiny of Cuba's political system, emphasizing the role that Mexican right-wing factions are willing to play in supporting dissent against Havana. With her connections to significant political figures in Mexico and her family's history of opposing the Cuban regime, Payá's presence in Mexico serves not only as a political statement but also as a beacon of solidarity for those who advocate for democracy and human rights in Cuba and Latin America.