UN experts call for probe into alleged interference with Mexico missing-person protests

United Nations experts called on Saturday for impartial investigations into allegations that protests about Mexico’s disappearance crisis faced undue interference during the football World Cup.

The six independent experts said security operations around tournament venues were reportedly used to restrict protests. They said protesters were in some cases surrounded by police while peacefully distributing search notices for disappeared relatives, and that other groups were allegedly stopped from reaching planned demonstrations.

The experts said they were concerned by reports that families searching for missing loved ones faced interference while peacefully trying to make their voices heard during one of the world’s largest sporting events. They said international sporting events should not come at the expense of civic space or victims’ rights.

Activists and families had sought to hold peaceful demonstrations, symbolic actions and public awareness events around World Cup activities. The experts said the aim was to draw international attention to Mexico’s large number of disappearances and to repeat demands for truth, justice and reparation.

About 130,000 people have been officially recorded as missing in Mexico since 2006, when the government at the time launched a controversial anti-drug operation. The report said some experts believe the real number may be higher.

The experts are mandated by the UN Human Rights Council but do not speak for the United Nations. They said states must guarantee the rights to peaceful assembly and expression. The group, which included members of the UN working group on enforced or involuntary disappearances, said peaceful protesters had reportedly faced interference, intimidation and online harassment.

They said major events such as the World Cup draw global attention and can provide an important opportunity for social movements, civil society organisations and local communities to raise local, national or global problems. They called on authorities to ensure that families of disappeared people can exercise their rights peacefully. They also urged prompt and impartial investigations into the allegations and effective measures to protect people who continue searching for their loved ones.