Organized crime, fueled by drug trafficking and the influx of weapons, continues to have a significant impact on public security and the enjoyment of human rights, he said, calling for the strengthening of civil institutions and accountability mechanisms.
A protest demonstration in Mexico City over the case of the Ayoitzinapa rural school attended by the 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 constant 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, praising the bravery of families and groups, many of them led 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 recent adoption of an updated national search protocol.
The UN human rights chief expressed concern about persistently high levels of gender-based violence and femicides, noting that the rate of women murdered in the country “shocks our conscience.”
Praise for Mexico’s “vibrant civil society”
During his trip, Mr. Türk met with senior officials from all branches of government, including President Claudia Sheinbaum, members of the Cabinet, 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, had allowed him to see “important achievements and profound challenges” in the field of human rights. “Mexico has a diverse, active and vibrant civil society,” said the High Commissioner, underlining its central role in public debate, institutional reform and the demand for accountability.
Mr. Türk 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 emphasized that timely access, prevention measures and increased investigative capacity are crucial to improving its effectiveness.
Addressing the reform of the judiciary in Mexico, the High Commissioner emphasized the importance of safeguarding judicial independence, integrity and professional competence during the transition, and welcomed efforts to improve justice and transparency.
Türk also welcomed constitutional reforms that recognize indigenous and Afro-Mexican peoples as subjects of public law, as well as advances 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.