A bill on enforced disappearances approved today by the Mexican Senate could represent a step forward in the fight to tackle the country’s human rights crisis. Now all that is needed for the bill to become law is the approval of the Chamber of Deputies.
“The definitive approval of the bill on enforced disappearances is crucial in order to begin to seriously address the nightmare which thousands of families face, searching for their loved ones in the face of serious risks and carrying out work which is the responsibility of the authorities”, said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas Director at Amnesty International.
“This bill is a welcome advance, although there is room for improvement. It will come into existence within the context of a deficient search system and its implementation will require serious political commitment to grant justice, truth and reparation to the many families who have dedicated years to searching for their relatives”, said Erika Guevara-Rosas.
Amnesty International respects and supports the work of the groups of relatives of disappeared people in Mexico and acknowledges their extensive efforts which have contributed to the creation of this law.
Once approved by the Chamber of Deputies and signed by the president, the law will enter into force throughout the country and will replace existing federal and state laws on enforced disappearance.
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Two years on, Peña Nieto cannot brush off Ayotzinapa stain (Oped, 26 september 2016)
For more information, please contact: Elizabeth Berton-Hunter, Media Relations 416-363-9933 ext 332 bberton-hunter@amnesty.ca
