IACHR welcomes full compliance with friendly settlement on Ismael Mondragón case, concerning Mexico

September 4, 2025

Washington, DC—The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has announced its decision to declare full compliance with Friendly Settlement Report No. 110/20, relating to Petition 735-07, Ismael Mondragón, which it will cease to monitor.

The case was brought before the IACHR following the death of 1-year-11-month-old Ismael Mondragón Molina on June 6, 2007, due to medical negligence during cranial surgery at the Children's Hospital of the state of Sonora. The petitioners alleged that the Mexican State was internationally responsible for failing to conduct an effective investigation into these events, thereby violating the rights to life, personal integrity, and the rights of the child, as enshrined in articles 4, 5, and 19 of the American Convention on Human Rights.

On March 14, 2018, the parties signed a friendly settlement agreement, which the IACHR approved on June 9, 2020. During the monitoring process, the IACHR verified that the State held a public event at which it apologized and acknowledged responsibility. The event was broadcast on official digital platforms to raise public awareness of the case and safeguard it in collective memory. The State also unveiled a plaque and a bust in memory of Ismael Mondragón at the Children's Hospital of Sonora.

In addition, the Mexican State conducted five medical training sessions on human rights and pediatric care for hospital staff. It also complied with commitments to provide financial compensation, scholarships, productive projects, and health rehabilitation measures for the child's relatives.

The IACHR values the joint efforts of the parties in reaching a comprehensive agreement that provides reparations to the victims and introduces structural measures to improve Mexico's pediatric healthcare system.

The IACHR also re-expresses its willingness to continue supporting member states in promoting and protecting human rights across the region and commends the Mexican State for its commitment to and compliance with international human rights standards.

Click here to view the case file.

The IACHR is a principal and autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS), whose mandate stems from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. The Inter-American Commission has the mandate to promote the observance and defense of human rights in the region and acts as an advisory body to the OAS on the matter. The IACHR is made up 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.

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