Mexico: Missing person posters adorn World Cup ball in Cuernavaca protest

In Cuernavaca, Mexico, collectives of families searching for disappeared loved ones staged a poignant protest. They adorned a large soccer ball structure in the city's main square with missing person posters, drawing a stark contrast to the global celebration of the World Cup.

The "Buscadoras del Sur de Morelos" collective led the initiative, aiming to draw attention to the persistent crisis of disappearances in the state. One member, Jael Jacobo, warned of ongoing forced recruitment of young people in the southern region, allegedly by organized crime groups. These individuals are reportedly used for forced labor or moved to other parts of the country.

Despite the grim reality, the families expressed hope for the safe return of their loved ones and urged authorities to intensify search and investigation efforts. Their records indicate approximately 600 disappearances in southern Morelos since 2019, with the state total exceeding 2,200 unresolved cases. On average, at least one person disappears daily in the state, predominantly men under 30.

The intervention, which also placed posters at other symbolic locations like the Government Palace, served as a powerful reminder. While millions follow the sporting event, thousands in Morelos remain in agonizing uncertainty, waiting for a family member to return.

“

in the south of the state, forced recruitment of young people continues, presumably by organized crime, who would be used for forced labor or transferred to other states in the country.