Mario Luis Fuentes
International organization Human Rights Watch (HRW) presented its annual report, 2024aware of the seriousness human rights crisis this is observed in many countries of the world, among which, undoubtedly, is our country. Despite what official propaganda says, Mexico Structural problems remain while others worsen, making little progress in some areas pale in comparison to the severity of other situations.
To appreciate the seriousness of what the information contained in the report implies, it is enough to decipher the first paragraphs of each of the topics raised in the report in relation to our country.
The first statement of the report is devastating, saying verbatim: “President Andres Manuel Lopez Obradortook office in 2018, achieved little progress to address human rights issues in Mexico, including extreme criminal violenceabuses against migrantsgender-based violence, attacks on journalists and human rights activists, torturedisappearances and extrajudicial executions“
From a security and access to justice perspective, the report goes on to say: “Procurement and justice institutions rarely provide accountability for violent crimes and human rights violations. Around 90% of crimes are never solved“
Regarding torture: “Police, prosecutors and soldiers often use torture to extract information and confessions… Authorities have received at least 15,904 criminal cases of torture during the period from January 1, 2018 to March 31, 2023.”
Regarding arbitrary arrests: “ UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention visited Mexico in September (2023) and expressed concern that “arbitrary detention remains widespread in Mexico and is too often a catalyst for abuse, torture, enforced disappearances and arbitrary executions.”
Around military abuses: “Like his predecessors, President López Obrador relied heavily on the military to carry out public security missions… There is evidence that the Department of Defense operated an espionage program Pegasus It is illegal for Lopez Obrador to spy on human rights defenders… The military has obstructed the investigation and prosecution of past human rights violations.”
ABOUT missing people: “Every year thousands of people disappear in Mexico. Authorities often fail to take basic measures to find missing people. “The lack of forensic science contributes to disappearances and prevents their resolution.”
Above attacks on journalists and human rights defenders: “Mexico is one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists. Between January and September 2023, eight journalists were killed… The failure of authorities to adequately investigate crimes against journalists is common… Mexico is also one of the most dangerous countries in the world for human rights defenders. In 2022, 22 human rights defenders were killed.”
ABOUT migrants and asylum seekers: “People who regularly migrate through Mexico are victims of crimes committed by cartels or government agents. Crimes against migrants are rarely reported, investigated and punished. “President López Obrador has stepped up efforts to prevent migrants from crossing into Mexico and reaching the United States.”
The dire diagnosis is obvious; and in the context of the closure of the administration, the expected disqualification of the executive branch will not be enough, due to the fact that “These types of organisms are conservative.; “representatives of the international right”; “What They are neoliberals”, among other adjectives that do little to build a serious dialogue about the unresolved problems and emergencies that are piling up across the country.
thinking about human rights is important in a country like ours; but, unfortunately, the Federal Chief Executive’s speech reduced this category to an ideological dimension that has reached a dead end.
Strictly speaking, this is a tradition of liberal thought that the president does not share and he, in fact, rejects and fights.
However, to paraphrase Lucien Febvre, the struggle for history at the level of ideas must take place on the basis of a constant disposition to listen; to measured reflection and genuine exchange of ideas. And in this the President was wrong because he maintained an unshakable position and rejected any opportunity to correct and at least rethink his prejudices about the national reality and the pluralism and diversity of positions and voices with which we live together in Mexico.
The list of topics in the HRW report is much longer than the one presented here; and, without a doubt, delays in the implementation of other human rights are enormous: health, nutrition, education, housing are just some of the areas in which, if we do not act with the necessary speed, Mexico could fall into institutional collapse and in terms of its ability to build a lasting democracy.
Urgent, before electoral process which is perceived as a season of possible widespread political violence, is to place the main decisions of the state on the axis of protection and guarantee – without restrictions or negotiations – human rights; Well, in the context we’re in, it becomes a necessary condition of our constitutional regime the right to maintain authority, but, above all, vitality.
*PUED-UNAM Researcher
Source: Aristegui Noticias
John Cameron is a journalist at The Nation View specializing in world news and current events, particularly in international politics and diplomacy. With expertise in international relations, he covers a range of topics including conflicts, politics and economic trends.
