Federal and local authorities in Mexico must step up efforts to prevent and punish acts of violence against trans people

August 29, 2024

Washington, D.C. - The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) expressed its concern about the acts of violence against trans and gender-diverse people that have been publicly reported in Mexico in 2024. These acts of violence, motivated by prejudice, constitute a serious violation of the fundamental principles of equality and nondiscrimination, as well as other human rights.

The IACHR condemns the violence against LGBTI persons and the violent deaths of trans and gender-diverse persons. The information from the media indicates that, 36 murders of trans women have been reported since January. In June and July alone, at least 8 trans individuals were murdered in different states of Mexico. By comparison, 43 cases were publicly documented throughout 2023.

The IACHR has learned that a trans woman known as Trinity died on June 6 in a Mexico City hospital after being the victim of physical and sexual violence. On the same day, the body of Mónica Mancilla was found on the banks of the Usumacinta River in Tabasco. On June 15, authorities found the corpse of Kenia Cruz, signs of having suffered violence, in her home in Tabasco. On June 28, Ana Arana died of knife wounds in Mexico City.

In July, 3 trans women were murdered in the same week in Nuevo León: Arantza Castillo, who was found dead after being reported missing earlier in the month; activist Jaqueline "la Española"; and a third woman whose identity remains unknown. On July 19, trans woman and sex worker Cristell Martínez died after being shot.

The IACHR has noted that, in the region, prejudice-based violence is characterized by cruelty and viciousness that seek to "punish" the gender identity or sexual diversity of the victims. Likewise, the lack of due diligence in investigations may lead to an alarming situation of impunity.

The IACHR urges the State to investigate all human rights violations against LGBTI persons, especially acts of violence, taking a gender perspective and differentiated, intersectional approaches in its investigations that respect victims' gender identity and protect their human rights.

Federal and local authorities have an obligation to prevent, investigate, prosecute, and sanction prejudice-based crimes. Considering the constitutional powers in criminal matters assigned to the federal entities, the duty of these entities to ensure that investigations are carried out impartially, free of prejudice and with due diligence, in accordance with international standards, is underscored.

It is fundamental that the Mexican State and local authorities step up their efforts to combat prejudice-based violence and strengthen coordination mechanisms between the different levels of government to ensure an effective, comprehensive response to these crimes. Likewise, there must be compliance with standards already implemented by the Mexican State, such as the National Protocol on LGBTI+ Action. The IACHR reiterates its willingness to support the State in combating prejudice-based violence and ensuring the rights of LGBTI persons.

The IACHR is a principal and autonomous organ of the Organization of American States (OAS), whose mandate derives from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. The Inter-American Commission is mandated to promote the observance and defense of human rights in the region and acts as a consultative body to the OAS in this area. The IACHR is composed of seven independent members who are elected by the OAS General Assembly in their personal capacity and do not represent their countries of origin or residence.

No. 197/24

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