United Nations urges Mexico to protect women searching for disappeared persons

United Nations human rights experts have called on Mexico to protect women searching for disappeared persons, citing ‘alarming’ levels of violence that have led to murders and forced disappearances. The experts highlighted recent cases in Sinaloa, including the disappearance of Elisa Altagracia Bonilla and the murder of Rubí Gómez-Tagle, to illustrate the risks faced by these women.

The UN emphasized that the responsibility for searching for and investigating disappearances lies with the State rather than families. They also denounced a context of near-total impunity and gender-specific abuses. In a related development, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution establishing December 19 as the International Day for Recognition of Women Searching for Disappeared Persons.

In Mexico, searching collectives have been protesting in front of the Fiscalía General de la República (FGR) since September 9. They are demanding progress in investigations, better resources, and direct attention from federal authorities. Activists have reported facing obstacles when filing federal complaints, revictimization, and inadequate responses from officials.