PBI-Mexico participates in Observation Mission on the situation of violence in the mountain region of Guerrero

On May 12, La Jornada reported: “The Observation Mission of National and International Organizations on the Situation of Violence in the Mountain Region expressed concern about the lack of attention to cases of disappearance, gender violence and the prevailing impunity of those responsible in the Montaña Alta region of Guerrero.”

The Observation Mission included Espacio OSC, the National Network of Civil Human Rights Organizations (Red TDT), the Tlachinollan Human Rights Centre, SERAPAZ, Fundar, and the Peace Brigades International-Mexico Project.

The article highlights: “Lena Weber from Peace Brigades International argued that the testimonies are worrying, in particular, very serious in the investigation processes, the implementation of protection measures, an increase in violence in the region, including disappearances and femicides with a level of almost total impunity.”

This statement from the Observation Mission further notes:

“This 11 and 12 May we heard the testimonies of families of missing persons, cases of gender-based violence and assaults on defenders and journalists. In these accounts we were able to notice a serious lack of attention on the part of public institutions to the situation of structural violence in the region, the lack of effective protection measures for victims of human rights violations and defenders, as well as measures for victim care.”

The Mission asked federal, state and municipal officials to ensure:

1- Measures are implemented to prevent violence against women and assaults on human rights defenders and journalists.

2- Appropriate protection measures are provided for both victims of human rights violations and defenders and journalists, which we consider necessary to be carried out by the Mechanism for the Protection of Defenders and Journalists of the Ministry of the Government in the face of their advocacy to combat impunity where appropriate.

3- Structural problems of disappearance of people and femicides are addressed, which requires prompt, impartial and thorough investigations for victims to access truth and justice.

4- Action is taken to reverse the violence that prevails on Guerrero Mountain.

5- Public recognition is given to the work of human rights defenders, especially those victims who have transcended their pain in fighting impunity.

To watch the video of the media conference, please click here.