Breathe
By Jacqueline L'Hoist
The capacity of the CNDH as an institution and autonomous body in charge of enforcing human rights in this country is being tested today more than ever. These last two weeks we have been witnessing the complex challenge it is facing and the uncertainty that exists, based on many mistakes and few successes in the last period.
One of the main issues that is always under discussion, not only in the CNDH, but in many of the agencies and institutions in charge of overseeing the fulfillment of human rights in the countries, is autonomy. Autonomy from a regime and autonomy from pressures and political interests of some groups. History has shown that the independence of this institution is essential to guarantee its credibility and effectiveness. However, the constant struggle for control of the institutions has put this autonomy at risk.
In Mexico there is a Human Rights crisis that leaves us in constant doubt about what is to come. We live in a country where 9 women are murdered every day, according to Global Witness, 18 human rights defenders were murdered in 2023, we are among the 3 most dangerous countries for human rights defenders and journalists and the great crisis of missing persons and searching mothers. These figures speak volumes and are just the tip of the iceberg.
According to the Miguel Agustin Pro-Juarez Human Rights Center, from 2020 to 2023, the CNDH has received more than 1,000 complaints against the Army and the National Guard, the highest number in nine years. Of all these complaints there are less than 30 recommendations by the CNDH. It is a reality that militarization has not had a real counterweight, despite the multiple observations of civil society organizations and international bodies, and this has a direct impact on the protection of human rights.
Public perception of the CNDH has varied over the years. While there have been cases in which the Commission has succeeded in making human rights violations visible and has obtained positive results, it has also been criticized for its apparent ineffectiveness and lack of resolution in its recommendations.
In the last period, the CNDH, as an Autonomous Public Body, has been weakened, it has ceased to have presence, management and independence. A body such as this should be a counterweight to ensure the rights of all people. In a context of violence such as the one in which we live, the dignity of people should be more important than partisan interests, therefore it is necessary a joint effort of the authorities, civil society and the institution itself to ensure that the CNDH becomes a key player in the construction of a Mexico that is more just and respectful of human rights.
Today the Senate of the Republic has in its hands to continue putting stones for the guarantee of human rights or to take the example of the CDMX CDH with Nascheli Ramirez, the commission has listened to the people and Nashieli has been its defender, so the senators have the great possibility of placing Mexico again in the window of the autonomy of human rights as the democratic country that it is.
*Human Rights defender and feminist
Gender and Non-Discrimination Specialist
Author of the Guide Understanding and Addressing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace.
Founder and President of COPRED Council for the Prevention and Elimination of Discrimination of the CDMX
René Cassin" Human Rights Award
Director of the Gender Unit of Grupos Salinas in Mexico and LAM
The opinions expressed are the responsibility of the authors and are absolutely independent of the position and editorial line of the company. Opinion 51.
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