Mother begins 330 km walk from Mexico City to Xalapa for custody battle

Mirna Vargas has begun a 330-kilometer walk from the Superior Court of Justice in Mexico City to Xalapa, Veracruz, to demand visitation rights with her 10-year-old daughter. The journey, which is expected to take between 15 and 17 days, is intended to bring media visibility to her legal struggle and pressure the judicial powers in both Mexico City and Veracruz.

Vargas states that her legal battle began in 2022 after her daughter reported alleged sexual abuse by her father. Vargas claims that following her report, she faced a series of judicial omissions and counter-complaints that led to the loss of her custody. She reports being separated from her child for three years and expressed concern that the child, currently in the care of an aunt, could be taken out of the country.

Vargas is accompanied by Verónica Alonso, leader of the Colectivo Génesis, an organization that supports victims of sexual and vicarious violence. The participants noted that they have requested support from the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) but have not yet received a response.