The UN Human Rights Chief urged action to end impunity and address disappearances in Mexico

Speaking at the end of his official visit to Mexico, the High Commissioner warned that violence remains a serious concern, with women human rights defenders and journalists facing greater risks, especially when dealing with organized crime, corruption or gender-based violence.

Organized crime, fueled by drug trafficking and the influx of arms, continues to have a major impact on public security and the enjoyment of human rights, he said, calling for the strengthening of civil institutions and accountability mechanisms.

“An end to impunity, justice for crimes committed and effective accountability processes are of paramount importance,” he said, adding that impunity had emerged as a consistent demand in his meetings with victims and civil society groups.

Disappearances remain “one of the most serious and painful human rights challenges” in this country, he continued, praising the courage of families and collectives, led largely by women, who search for their loved ones, often at great personal risk.

He called for stronger search mechanisms, forensic identification, protective measures and investigative efforts, highlighting the potential of Mexico’s legal framework and the implementation of recently updated national search protocols.

The UN Human Rights Chief expressed concern over the high rates of gender-based violence and murders against women, noting that the rate of femicides in the country “shocks our conscience.”

Praise for ‘vibrant civil society’ in Mexico

During his trip, Türk met with senior officials from all branches of government, including President Claudia Sheinbaum, Cabinet members, legislators and the President of the Supreme Court, as well as representatives of civil society, the private sector and victims’ groups.

The visit, he said, has allowed him to see “important achievements and great challenges” in the field of human rights. “Mexico has a diverse, active and dynamic civil society,” the High Commissioner said, underscoring its central role in public debate, institutional reform and in demanding accountability.

Mr Türk described Mexico’s Protection Mechanism for Human Rights Defenders and Journalists (a program of the Federal Government established in 2012) as a model for the region, but stressed that timely access, preventive measures and stronger investigative capacity were essential to increase its effectiveness.

Addressing judicial reform in Mexico, the High Commissioner stressed the importance of maintaining judicial independence, integrity and professional competence during the transition period, and welcomed efforts to improve fairness and transparency.

Türk also welcomed constitutional reforms recognizing indigenous peoples and Afro-Mexican communities as subjects of public law, as well as progress in gender equality, poverty alleviation and social protection, and praised Mexico’s role as a committed regional and global actor in the UN and the international human rights system.