International Mechanism Submissions

Widespread violence, particularly gender-based violence and violence targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons, continues to increase throughout Mexico. The problem is compounded by criminal gang activities, as well as the lack of a genuinely independent and impartial system for combatting impunity, fighting corruption, and carrying out independent and impartial criminal investigations.

The 2007 General Law on Women's Access to a Life Free of Violence has not been fully implemented across Mexico. Further, certain legal mechanisms introduced under the General Law have not proven to be effective, as violence against women remains a significant concern.

Despite significant reforms to the criminal justice system, individuals continue to lack adequate protection from violence and human rights abuses to which law enforcement is complicit, if not directly involved. Even when cases are investigated or brought to trial, there is significant pressure against the pursuit of justice for victims of human rights abuses.

The Advocates for Human Rights ("The Advocates") has received direct information about gender-based violence, and violence and ill-treatment targeting LGBTI persons in Mexico, as well as problems with impunity and police corruption, from survivors seeking asylum in the United States. The firsthand experiences of The Advocates' asylum clients confirm that the legal system and policies in Mexico fail to provide individuals with adequate protection from violence and human rights abuses to which law enforcement is complicit, if not directly involved.