Today, July 23, Rosa María Payá A. will accept the 2025 #DemocracyServiceMedal on behalf of her late father, Oswaldo Payá—one of Cuba’s most courageous voices for democratic change. She carries forward the legacy of her father, advocating for a free Cuba.

Today, NEDemocracy will present the 2025 #DemocracyServiceMedal to honor Oswaldo Payá, whose courage inspired a movement for democratic change in Cuba. His legacy lives on through his family and all who continue advocating for a free Cuba.

"Despite misery, despite repression, despite the forced exile imposed on millions of Cubans, the Cuban people are still demanding their rights." - Rosa María Payá A. #DemocracyServiceMedal

"Oswaldo’s legacy is clear, unwavering, and urgent. Rights come first. The people are the protagonists. Freedom comes first." - Ofelia Acevedo #DemocracyServiceMedal

"Oswaldo Payá awakened a nation’s conscience with truth and the strength of his convictions. Honoring him affirms our commitment to stand with the Cuban people—until they are free." - Damon M. Wilson #DemocracyServiceMedal

"We come together to honor not just a man but a movement, a true legacy of courage that continues to resonate today." - Liliana Ayalde, member of NED's board of directors. #DemocracyServiceMedal

Oswaldo Payá led heroic efforts to bring basic democratic reform to Cuba. Last night, I gave a speech to honor his legacy as NEDemocracy presented the Democracy Service Medal to his wife and daughter. We will continue to pay tribute to Oswaldo and the brave Cubans who continue

“Oswaldo Payá was a giant of moral clarity and civic courage. He didn’t just challenge Cuba’s autocracy—he awakened the Cuban people. He dared to show that change could come through peaceful petition, through dignity, through the constitution.”-Debbie Wasserman Schultz #DemocracyServiceMedal

“Oswaldo was a fierce believer who worked tirelessly to liberate the Cuban people from communist oppression. They killed him. But in life and in death, they never silenced his message. The yearning for liberty, and the courage to fight for it, is the Cuban way.” —Senator Ted Cruz

Oswaldo Payá was a fierce believer, who worked tirelessly to liberate the Cuban people from communist oppression. In retaliation, the regime harassed and ultimately killed him. My full remarks on his legacy to NEDemocracy, here: youtube.com/watch?v=nbehLe…

“We’re gathered to honor Oswaldo Payá, because NED supports and celebrates heroes like him—people who demand freedom and uphold the basic dignity of every human being.” César González, Office of Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart

By collecting thousands of signatures for the Varela Project, Oswaldo Payá mobilized “many regular Cuban people—not just activists, but everyday people” to demand freedom. Michael Kozak, Senior Bureau Official, Western Hemisphere Affairs, U.S. Department of State

“Oswaldo Payá led a heroic, decades-long effort to change a nation. From the very first signature he collected, he knew he was risking his life for democracy.” - Senator Dick Durbin #DemocracyServiceMedal

“For Oswaldo Payá to get 25,000 Cubans to sign a petition calling for change—that was extraordinary. That signature could mean jail time or losing your job. That was the kind of risk people took—because of the confidence and courage Payá gave them.” – US Sen Mel Martinez

This week, Rosa María Payá A. accepted the 2025 #DemocracyServiceMedal on behalf of her father, Oswaldo Payá—one of Cuba’s most courageous voices for democratic change. She carries his legacy forward through fearless advocacy for a free Cuba.

Consistent with its storied history of defending democracy around the world, NEDemocracy posthumously awarded its Democracy Service Medal to Oswaldo Paya. Senate Foreign Relations Committee joins NED in celebrating this honor and calling for human rights, freedom of expression and democracy in Cuba.

Ten years ago today, the Kremlin declared NEDemocracy an “undesirable organization” under legislation aimed at silencing international support for Russian civic groups. A decade later, NED’s commitment to democracy seeking Russians remains unwavering.

Last week, we awarded the 2025 #DemocracyServiceMedal to Oswaldo Payá—one of Cuba’s most courageous champions of freedom. His wife and daughter accepted the award, carrying his legacy forward in the struggle for a free Cuba. Watch the highlights here:🔗 ned.org/event-recap-ne…

Freedom of speech and democracy are linked—when one suffers, so does the other. In @Newsmax, Peter Roskam on the need to support those who defy authoritarian censors abroad to help safeguard our freedoms in the U.S. 🔗 newsmax.com/politics/autho…

Last month, we awarded the 2025 #DemocracyServiceMedal to Oswaldo Payá—one of Cuba’s most courageous champions of freedom. His wife and daughter accepted the award, carrying his legacy forward in the struggle for a free Cuba. Watch the highlights:🔗 ned.org/event-recap-ne…