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UN experts urge probe into 'interference' at protests for Mexico's missing during World Cup
🇯🇲 Jamaica /Culture & Society

UN experts urge probe into 'interference' at protests for Mexico's missing during World Cup

From Jamaica Observer · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • UN experts are calling for impartial investigations into alleged interference with protests concerning Mexico's missing persons crisis during the World Cup.
  • Reports indicate security operations restricted protests, with families searching for disappeared relatives reportedly facing police presence and prevention from demonstrating.
  • The experts stressed that international sporting events should not compromise civic space or victims' rights, urging authorities to protect protesters and investigate interference claims.

United Nations experts have urged impartial investigations into allegations of "undue interference" with protests aimed at highlighting Mexico's ongoing disappearance crisis during the recent World Cup. The experts expressed concern over reports that security operations around tournament venues were used to restrict demonstrations.

We are concerned by reports of incidents in which families searching for disappeared loved ones reportedly faced interference whilst peacefully making their voices heard during one of the world’s largest sporting events.

— UN expertsExpressing concern over the alleged interference with protests during the World Cup.

Independent experts stated that families searching for their disappeared loved ones were allegedly surrounded by police while peacefully distributing notices. Other groups reportedly faced obstacles in reaching planned protests. "We are concerned by reports of incidents in which families searching for disappeared loved ones reportedly faced interference whilst peacefully making their voices heard during one of the world’s largest sporting events," the experts said in a statement.

They emphasized that major international sporting events should not come at the expense of fundamental rights. "International sporting events should never come at the expense of civic space or the rights of victims," the experts declared. Activists and families had organized peaceful demonstrations and awareness activities to draw global attention to the high number of disappearances in Mexico since 2006, seeking truth, justice, and reparations.

International sporting events should never come at the expense of civic space or the rights of victims.

— UN expertsStating the principle that major events should not infringe on fundamental rights.

The UN experts, who operate under the UN Human Rights Council but do not speak for the organization, reminded authorities of their obligation to protect freedom of assembly and expression. They noted that major events like the World Cup offer a crucial platform for social movements and civil society to voice systemic issues. "We call on authorities to ensure that families of disappeared persons can peacefully exercise their rights," they urged, demanding prompt and impartial investigations into the interference allegations and effective protection measures for those continuing their search.

We call on authorities to ensure that families of disappeared persons can peacefully exercise their rights.

— UN expertsDemanding protection for individuals searching for missing loved ones.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jamaica Observer in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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