CNDH report finds 63% of Mexican prisons fail supervision standards

The National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) has released its 2025 National Penitentiary Supervision Diagnosis, revealing that approximately 63% of Mexico's prisons failed to meet required standards. Out of 278 evaluated centers, 177 received failing grades, with the most critical conditions found in state-run facilities.

Key systemic issues identified include severe overcrowding, insufficient security personnel, inadequate classification of inmates, and a lack of programs to prevent violence or address addictions. The report also noted deficiencies in healthcare, hygiene, and the separation of pretrial detainees from sentenced prisoners. In states like Veracruz and Querétaro, officials documented illicit activities, extortion, and insufficient staffing.

While some regions showed progress—such as Michoacán, which ranked fourth nationally due to improved governance and hygiene—the overall trend indicates a need for a shift from punitive models toward humanistic systems focused on effective social reintegration. The CNDH emphasized that these findings should guide public policy to protect human dignity within the correctional system.