Speaking at the conclusion of an official visit to Mexico, the High Commissioner warned that violence remains a serious concern, with women’s rights defenders and journalists facing increased risks, particularly when confronting organized crime, corruption or gender-based violence.
Organized crime, driven by drug trafficking and the influx of weapons, is having a major impact on public security and the enjoyment of human rights, he said, calling for the strengthening of civil institutions and accountability mechanisms.
UNIC/Mexico
A protest rally in Mexico City over the case of the Ayotzinapa rural school attended by 43 missing students.
“An end to impunity, justice for crimes committed and effective accountability processes are essential“ He declared, 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 the country, he continued to praise the courage of families and groups, many of them led by women, who searched for their loved ones, often at great personal risk.
He called for stronger search mechanisms, forensic identification, security measures, and investigative efforts, highlighting the capacity of Mexico’s legal framework and the recent adoption of an updated national search protocol.
The UN rights chief expressed concern over persistently high levels of gender-based violence and femicide, noting that the rate of femicide in the country “shocks our conscience.”
Praise for Mexico’s ‘vibrant civil society’
During his visit, Mr. Turk 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 victim groups.
He said, this tour allowed them to see both “significant achievements and profound challenges” In the field of human rights. “Mexico has a diverse, active and vibrant civil society,” the High Commissioner said, underscoring its central role in public debate, institutional reform and demand for accountability.
Mr. Turk described Mexico’s protection mechanism for human rights defenders and journalists (a Federal Government program established in 2012) as a model for the region, but stressed that timely access, prevention measures, and strong investigative capacity are critical to improving its effectiveness.
Addressing the reform of Mexico’s judiciary, the High Commissioner stressed the importance of safeguarding judicial independence, integrity and professional competence during the transition and welcomed efforts to improve justice and transparency.
Mr. Turk also welcomed constitutional reforms recognizing indigenous and Afro-Mexican peoples as subjects of public law, as well as progress in gender equality, poverty reduction and social protection, and praised Mexico’s role as a committed regional and global actor in the United Nations and the international human rights system.
