Introduction to the Situation in Mexico
The international organization Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised concerns about a significant democratic regression in Mexico due to the administration of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. According to HRW, this government has undermined judicial independence, transparency, and the rule of law.
Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo’s Challenges
In October 2024, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo became the first woman to assume Mexico’s presidency, inheriting severe human rights issues, including extreme criminal violence and serious abuses by the military. HRW’s World Report 2026 analyzes human rights practices in over 100 countries, including Mexico.
Criticisms of Reelection and Judicial Reform
HRW criticized the reelection of Rosario Piedra Ibarra as head of the National Human Rights Commission, stating that this supposedly independent body failed to scrutinize the López Obrador administration during her tenure from 2019 to 2024.
The organization also expressed concern that the judicial reform, supported by Claudia Sheinbaum and López Obrador, could severely compromise judicial independence. The amendment mandates all judges to run for elections without addressing the primary obstacles Mexicans face in accessing justice.
Moreover, HRW highlighted that the initial judicial elections had low participation and raised serious concerns about the integrity of the process.
Persistent High Levels of Violence
According to HRW, violence remains at extremely high levels in Mexico. The official homicide rate in 2024 was over 25 per 100,000 inhabitants, one of the highest globally. The report also pointed out violence in Sinaloa and the assassinations of two advisors to Mexico City’s mayor and the mayor of Uruapan, Michoacán, who had publicly denounced criminal groups and exposed their ties to state politicians.
Torture and Enforced Disappearances
HRW expressed concern over ongoing torture cases in Mexico, as police, prosecutors, and soldiers continue to resort to torture. Between 2019 and 2025, the Federal Institute of Public Defense documented 3,177 reported torture incidents affecting 4,100 victims. The organization also highlighted military abuses and the expanding use of the army in public security and civil tasks.
Furthermore, HRW is alarmed by the thousands of people who continue to disappear annually in Mexico, with an official total exceeding 130,000 in 2025.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Human Rights Watch (HRW)? HRW is an international organization that monitors and reports on human rights conditions in over 100 countries.
- Who is Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo? Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo is the first female president of Mexico, assuming office in October 2024. She inherited significant human rights challenges from her predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
- What concerns does HRW have about the López Obrador administration? HRW has raised concerns about democratic backsliding, undermining of judicial independence, transparency, and the rule of law during López Obrador’s tenure.
- What issues does HRW highlight regarding Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo’s presidency? HRW points out persistent human rights issues, including high levels of violence, torture cases, and enforced disappearances.
- What is the significance of HRW’s criticism of the judicial reform? HRW argues that the proposed judicial reform could severely compromise judicial independence by mandating all judges to run for elections without addressing access barriers.
