June 26 (UPI) -- The Organization of American States is scheduled to elect new members of its Inter-American Commission on Human Rights on Friday, and the United States wants Rosa Maria Paya on it.
The IACHR is the OAS's primary body for defending human rights and fundamental freedoms in the Western Hemisphere, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
"Rosa Maria Paya is a principled, courageous and deeply committed human rights and democracy defender," Rubio said on Thursday in a news release.
"Her record of fearless leadership and moral clarity -- particularly in confronting authoritarianism and promoting democratic values -- reflects the very ideals upon which the IACHR was founded," he said.
"Rosa Maria brings the dignity and resolve to tackle the commission's greatest challenges with innovative solutions, all while keeping a focus on serving the people of the Americas," Rubio added.
