Systemic, Endemic Impunity is Mexican Government's Main Challenge - UN Rapporteur Angeles Cruz Martinez - La Jornada
go to original May 3, 2013

Christof Heyns, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions. (UN/Paulo Filgueiras)

The impunity that prevails in Mexico is systemic and endemic. It is one of the main challenges of the federal government in order to ensure the protection of human rights, end the extrajudicial killings and bring before civilian courts military personnel involved in the commission of crimes, including homicide, warned Christof Heyns, Special Rapporteur on Extrajudical Summary or Arbitrary  Executions for the United Nations.

Yesterday the rapporteur concluded his 11-day visit to Mexico, during which he was in the states of Chihuahua, Guerrero and Nuevo León. Among other things, he confirmed the need to apply existing laws effectively. Constitutional reforms and new arrangements protect women, human rights defenders and journalists, but until they are applied, the impunity and mistrust of institutions will persist.

At a press conference, Heyns stressed the importance of accountability, the solution of the homicides committed in the past, both during the guerra sucia [dirty war, late 1960's to late 1970's] and the more than 100,000 registered during the government of Felipe Calderón. Any strategy for the future, he said, "must first look back". This is the key for ultimately breaking the cycle of violence, he affirmed.

Read the rest at Mexico Voices

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