At Nordic Right, we are committed to advocating for and upholding human rights across the Nordic Region and beyond. Today, we turn our attention to a grave violation of human rights that demands immediate action on a global scale.
United Nations experts have issued a damning report, calling on Mexico to take immediate steps to address the rampant extortion and abuse suffered by vulnerable migrants within its borders. These practices represent flagrant violations of the fundamental human rights that must be upheld for all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.
The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, following a 12-day visit, has raised alarm at the situation in Mexico. In the first half of 2023 alone, over 240,000 undocumented migrants and asylum seekers, including many children, were detained in Mexico. This statistic is deeply troubling, especially considering that the Mexican constitution mandates a strict 36-hour limit for such detentions.
What is even more concerning is the “significant number” of migrants being held for longer durations. Disturbingly, reports have surfaced of bribery and corruption, where migrants, often in vulnerable positions, are coerced into paying money to officials, including police officers. Those who could not pay faced detention. Such practices are a complete affront to human rights principles and must be eradicated immediately.
The tragic incident from last year, where 40 migrants lost their lives in a fire while in detention in Ciudad Juarez, near the US border, is a painful reminder of the dire consequences of inadequate conditions. The UN Working Group has rightly called on Mexico to ensure that migrants are not held behind locked doors and that individuals in detention have access to outdoor spaces and fire escapes. These measures are essential to prevent such catastrophic events from happening again.
Furthermore, the group emphasizes that the detention of child migrants should be “exceptional” and for the shortest possible duration. It is deeply troubling that tens of thousands of minors were held last year, and we echo their call for urgent action to protect the rights of these vulnerable children.
Nordic Rights stands in solidarity with the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention in condemning these violations of human rights. We urge the Mexican government to take immediate and comprehensive action to address these issues, ensure the safety and well-being of migrants, and put an end to practices that infringe upon their fundamental human rights.
The dangerous journey undertaken by migrants through Mexico, fleeing poverty and violence in their home countries, must not come at the cost of their lives, dignity, or safety. The recent tragic incidents involving Mexican migrants attempting to reach the United States further underscore the urgent need for action against criminal networks and enhanced protection for those in transit.
Nordic Rights calls upon the international community to join us in demanding swift and decisive action to safeguard the rights of migrants in Mexico. We stand united in our commitment to human rights, justice, and dignity for all.
