Background and Relevance
María Dolores González Saravia Calderón has been appointed as the new head of the Comisión de Derechos Humanos de la Ciudad de México (CDHCM) following her oath-taking ceremony before the plenary session of the Capital’s Congress. A distinguished economist with a specialization in human rights and conflict transformation, González Saravia Calderón is poised to lead the CDHCM from 2025 to 2029.
Professional Background
González Saravia Calderón holds a degree in Economics from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and has dedicated her career to human rights advocacy. She is also an active member of the Centro Internacional de Investigación de la Economía Social y Solidaria (CIIESS) at the Iberoamerican University. Her extensive experience in human rights and conflict transformation makes her a fitting candidate for this crucial role.
Key Objectives and Initiatives
González Saravia Calderón’s plan of work aims to strengthen social multisectoral defense and the construction of peace, with a particular focus on enhancing the CDHCM’s autonomy and technical capabilities.
- Improving the reception and processing of complaints, which form the core of the commission’s work.
- Boosting investigation and problem-characterization capacities to address issues hindering rights exercise in Mexico City.
- Promoting multisectoral dialogue models to develop robust and sustainable solutions for full rights exercise and deepen work on protection, promotion, and agendas for priority groups.
Support and Recognition from Colleagues
Jannete Elizabeth Guerrero Maya, a legislator from the PT party and president of the local Congress’s Human Rights Commission, praised the selection process for its rigor and professionalism, adhering to norms throughout.
“This has been one of the broadest and most participatory processes in this legislature, and it is unique since we established the Congress.” – Jannete Elizabeth Guerrero Maya
Guerrero Maya acknowledged González Saravia Calderón’s over 40 years of experience in human rights defense.
Diana Sánchez Barrios, another legislator, highlighted González Saravia Calderón’s support for sexual diversity and her commitment to addressing the needs of this population group.
“María Dolores is an ally of sexual diversity and will make the needs of this population group visible.” – Diana Sánchez Barrios
Nora Arias Contreras from the PRD emphasized that the CDHCM should act as a counterbalance, a firm and uncomfortable voice when necessary, and assist in building a more just society.
“The CDHCM cannot become an administrative office or a political echo chamber; it must be a counterweight, a strong voice when needed, and help construct a more just society.” – Nora Arias Contreras
Royfid Torres González from MC stressed the importance of ensuring human rights progress and access to dignified healthcare under González Saravia Calderón’s leadership.
“María Dolores must guarantee the advancement of human rights and access to dignified healthcare.” – Royfid Torres González
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is María Dolores González Saravia Calderón? An economist with a specialization in human rights and conflict transformation, she has over 40 years of experience in human rights advocacy.
- What are her key objectives as the new CDHCM head? Strengthen social multisectoral defense, enhance the commission’s autonomy and technical capabilities, improve complaint processing, boost investigation capacities, and promote multisectoral dialogue models for sustainable solutions.
- How have her colleagues reacted to her appointment? Colleagues have praised the rigorous selection process, acknowledged her extensive experience, and expressed confidence in her ability to address human rights issues and support marginalized groups.
