Mexico updates investigation protocols for disappearances

Mexican authorities have updated the Homologated Investigation Protocol for forced disappearances and disappearances committed by private individuals. Approved during the 54th Plenary Assembly of the National Conference of Justice Prosecution, the new framework aims to establish common criteria for authorities nationwide to improve the efficacy of investigations and facilitate access to justice for victims and their families.

The update received technical assistance from the United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), focusing on search efforts, human identification, and investigative procedures. This move comes amid a humanitarian crisis regarding disappearances in Mexico.

Additionally, new protocols were approved to protect human rights defenders following rulings from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. There is also a legislative proposal currently under analysis in the Senate that would require all violent deaths of women to be initially investigated under the hypothesis of femicide.