Introduction
The state of Chiapas in Mexico has experienced a significant humanitarian crisis, with over 15,000 people forcibly displaced between January 2023 and June 2024. This displacement is primarily driven by escalating crime rates, organized delinquency, and generalized violence.
Forced Internal Displacement
According to the Fray Bartolomé de Las Casas Human Rights Center (Frayba), there have been 20 documented cases of Forced Internal Displacement (FID) in municipalities such as Pantelhó, Frontera Comalapa, Chicomuselo, Las Margaritas, and Ocosingo.
- Violence linked to organized crime is the primary cause of these displacement events.
- Violence related to counterinsurgency efforts also contributes to the situation.
- Generalized violence further exacerbates the crisis.
A total of 15,780 individuals have been compelled to flee their homes, with 8,190 originating from the Frontera and Sierra region.
Frayba has highlighted that armed groups, including paramilitaries and hitmen, have expanded their presence in Chiapas with the tacit approval or negligence of local authorities.
Rising Cases of Disappearance
Between January and June 2024, the National Registry of Missing and Located Persons (RNPDNO) reported 632 disappearances in Chiapas. Of these, 217 involved children, adolescents, and teenagers, with an additional 234 cases documented under the state’s Amber Alert system.
Frayba states that more than 60% of the disappearances in Chiapas are women, predominantly adolescents, which is significantly higher than the national average of 25%.
- From 2019 to 2024, disappearances in Chiapas have surged by 358%.
- Organizations like Melel Xojobal have reported 1,831 cases of missing minors between 2019 and 2024, with a notable increase from two to ten cases per week in just four years.
“Today, Chiapas and Mexico are experiencing a human rights crisis and uncontrolled violence, where no one can stop the terror that exists in towns and communities. This situation leads to a series of ongoing human rights violations,” Frayba explained.
Frayba also accused the Mexican state of failing to investigate, sanction, and repair human rights violations while the population, particularly women, girls, and indigenous communities, remains trapped in a cycle of violence, fear, and impunity.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue in Chiapas? The primary concern in Chiapas is the forced displacement of over 15,000 people due to escalating crime rates and violence.
- What are the causes of displacement? The main causes are violence linked to organized crime, counterinsurgency efforts, and generalized violence.
- How many people have disappeared in Chiapas? Between January and June 2024, there were 632 reported disappearances in Chiapas.
- What percentage of disappearances involve women? More than 60% of the disappearances in Chiapas are women, primarily adolescents.
- How has the number of disappearances changed over time? The number of disappearances in Chiapas has increased by 358% from 2019 to 2024.
- What role has the Mexican state played in this crisis? The Mexican state has been accused of failing to investigate, sanction, and repair human rights violations while the population remains trapped in a cycle of violence, fear, and impunity.
