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Meet the newly elected members of the IACHR (2026–2029 term)
On June 27, during the 55th Regular Session of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS), the election to appoint new members to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) was held. At that time, two of the three available seats were filled: Marion Bethel (Bahamas) and Rosa María Payá (United States). The third seat was decided on July 11 during a meeting of the OAS Permanent Council, in which José Luis Caballero Ochoa (Mexico) was elected to join the Commission.
The IACHR is one of the main organs of the Inter-American system, responsible for promoting and protecting human rights throughout the Americas. Its work is essential for strengthening the rule of law, defending fundamental freedoms, and consolidating democracy in the region.
Here’s an introduction to the newly elected IACHR commissioners:
Marion Bethel
Nominated by the Bahamas
A Bahamian attorney with experience in international human rights law. She graduated from Cambridge University and served as a member and vice president of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). She has held senior positions in academia and public service, as well as practiced law privately. Her research focuses on women’s rights, drug trafficking regulation, and anti–money laundering policy. Learn more about Marion Bethel here
Rosa María Payá
Nominated by the United States
A human rights and democracy activist. She graduated from the University of Havana in Cuba and is the founder of the Cuba Decide initiative. She currently leads the Foundation for Pan-American Democracy. Rosa María has testified before the U.S. Senate, the European Parliament, and the UN Human Rights Council. Learn more about Rosa María Payá here
José Luis Caballero Ochoa
Nominated by Mexico
A Mexican lawyer and academic who graduated from the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education. He currently serves as President of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). For over 25 years, he has been a professor at Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City. His areas of expertise include constitutional law and international human rights law. Learn more about José Luis Caballero Ochoa here
The other candidates were:
Fábio de Sá e Silva
Nominated by Brazil
A Brazilian lawyer and scholar specializing in the sociology of law and public policy. He graduated from the University of São Paulo and is currently a professor at the University of Oklahoma. Throughout his career, he has served as a scholar, high-level public official, international consultant, and researcher. He previously worked as a consultant to the IACHR. Learn more about Fábio de Sá e Silva here
María Clara Galvis Patiño
Nominated by Colombia
A Colombian attorney specialized in international human rights law. She graduated from the Universidad Externado de Colombia and served as a member and vice president of the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances. Currently, she is a researcher and professor at the Universidad Externado de Colombia. Her work includes strategic litigation and institutional advisory roles in transitional justice processes. Learn more about María Clara Galvis Patiño here
Reina A. Rivera Joya
Nominated by Honduras
A Honduran attorney specialized in human rights and criminal law. She graduated from the National Autonomous University of Honduras. Over the course of her career, she has served as a judge, prosecutor, director of civil society organizations, consultant, and academic. She previously led the Honduras office of the Swedish development agency Diakonia. Learn more about Reina A. Rivera Joya here
Carlos Bernal Pulido
Nominated by Peru
A Colombian lawyer and academic with extensive experience in constitutional law and legal philosophy. He graduated from Universidad Externado de Colombia. He currently serves as a Commissioner of the IACHR and is a professor at the University of Dayton (Ohio, USA) and Universidad de La Sabana (Colombia). He previously served as a Justice of the Constitutional Court of Colombia. Learn more about Carlos Bernal Pulido here
