In the context of the opening of the FIFA World Cup 2026, and following the events that took place last night during the mobilization of relatives of disappeared people, Amnesty International calls on Mexico City and federal authorities to fully guarantee the right of collectives and families of disappeared people to protest peacefully.
“Authorities have an obligation to facilitate and protect the right to peaceful protest, not to obstruct it. Their actions must prioritize dialogue, the protection of the integrity of those taking part in demonstrations, and the adoption of measures to prevent any form of repression, intimidation or unnecessary use of force,” said Edith Olivares Ferreto, Executive Director of Amnesty International Mexico.
Families searching for disappeared people have played a fundamental role in making visible the crisis of disappearances in Mexico and in driving efforts for search, truth, justice and identification. Their work is a legitimate form of human rights defense and must be recognized, respected and protected by the state.
At a time when public and media attention is focused on events of national and international relevance, the authorities must ensure that the demands of the families of disappeared people can be expressed freely, without undue obstacles and without their members being stigmatized, criminalized or exposed to additional risks.
“Families search because the state has failed to fully guarantee truth and justice. Their demand cannot be treated as a threat to public order. Guaranteeing their right to demonstrate is not a concession: it is an obligation of the Mexican state,” said Edith Olivares.
Amnesty International calls on the authorities to investigate any reports of possible abuses committed during the mobilization, guarantee the safety of families and collectives, and ensure that future protests take place in conditions of respect, dialogue and effective protection of human rights.
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