Published by the Global Organization Against Torture (GOAT), the report highlights a persistent, widespread practice of torture and mistreatment in Mexico amidst impunity and institutional weaknesses.
The Global Torture Index 2025, released by the Global Organization Against Torture (GOAT), classifies Mexico as having a high risk of torture and abuse, exposing a widespread practice that continues in an environment of impunity and institutional shortcomings. The report, based on data from 2023 and 2024, points out that torture is frequently used as a method for investigation, obtaining confessions, and fabricating evidence, severely impacting human rights in the country.
Statistics on Torture Cases
- Between 2019 and 2024, the Technical Secretariat of Combatting Tortura of the Federal Institute of Public Defense reported 2,881 torture cases with 3,506 victims.
- The National Pollution Survey of People Deprived of Liberty (ENPOL 2021) by INEGI found that 42% of incarcerated individuals reported being beaten or mistreated in the Public Ministry to self-incriminate or admit false facts, and 20% pleaded guilty after physical aggression.
Selective Rule of Law and Police Brutality
The report also found a high-risk level of police brutality and institutional violence since the “War on Drugs” began in 2006. The increased use of military forces in public security tasks has led to arbitrary detentions, torture, and extrajudicial executions. The creation of the National Guard in 2019 has further exacerbated these violations.
- According to the report, force was applied in 421 events, with firearms used in 411 instances. The Center for Legal Action (Prodh) obtained data showing that the National Guard was responsible for 94 deaths by 2021.
High Risk in Prevention of Liberty and End of Impunity
The Prevention in Liberty pillar has a very high risk, with 34.5% of detainees reporting physical abuse by custodians. Cefereso 16 reported 21 deaths under custody since 2021, including 13 suicides. The National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) has received 86 complaints, but its dependence limits its effectiveness.
Regarding the end of impunity, Mexico was rated as high-risk because only 0.1% (18 cases) of the 4,592 torture investigations in 2023 reached a judge, and only eight convictions were issued.
High Risk in Protection for All Groups
The protection risk is also high, with 43.82% of incarcerated women reporting sexual torture. Children, adolescents, and teens experience psychological (65.9%) and physical (45.9%) abuse, while migrants detained face inhumane conditions, as documented in the 2023 Ciudad Juárez fire incident.
