Background and Relevance of the Story
Mexico has been grappling with a severe issue of forced disappearances, which have become systematic and widespread across the country. Various civil organizations have taken it upon themselves to address this critical human rights concern by urging the Mexican government to submit a comprehensive report on these disappearances to the United Nations Committee against Enforced Disappearances (CED).
Report Submission Details
On September 18, multiple civil society organizations and 61 collectives of families affected by forced disappearances submitted a joint report to the CED. This report aims to provide evidence of systematic and widespread enforced disappearances in Mexico, as the country faces scrutiny under Article 34 of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.
Content of the Report
- The report proposes the establishment of an international mechanism for clarification, which would include determining the causes of disappearances, creating a national prevention program, prosecuting responsible parties, and ensuring justice for victims.
- It also emphasizes the importance of identifying accumulated human remains and ensuring dignified returns for missing persons to their families.
- The report clarifies that the implementation of Article 34 should not be perceived as a judgment or attack on the government but rather as an opportunity to safeguard all individuals from enforced disappearances.
CED’s Warnings and Data on Forced Disappearances in Mexico
The CED has highlighted that since 2015, Mexico has faced a generalized situation of forced disappearances with almost absolute impunity. According to the organizations, as of September 2025, the CED has issued 773 urgent actions—the highest number for any state party.
- Between 2017 and January 2025, only 373 convictions have been handed down for forced disappearances.
The data also reveals that the number of daily forced disappearances has not decreased, with an average of 26 cases reported per day in 2024. In the first half of 2025, this number increased to over 45 disappearances per day.
Organizations’ Expectations and Next Steps
Artículo 19, the Red TDT, Fundación para la Justicia, Tlachinollan, and other signatories of the document have called on Mexico’s Secretariat of Government, Foreign Affairs, and the Presidency’s Legal Advisory Office to respond to the CED with a proposal addressing the structural causes of forced disappearances.
- Question: A proposal that tackles the root causes of forced disappearances, ensuring transparent measurement mechanisms, accountability, and guarantees for truth, justice, and reparation for victims.
Conclusion
The urgent need for Mexico to address the issue of forced disappearances has been underscored by civil organizations and the UN Committee against Enforced Disappearances. By submitting a comprehensive report and implementing proposed mechanisms, Mexico can take significant steps towards ensuring justice for victims and preventing further human rights violations.
