Mexico: 10 years after the forced disappearance of students in Ayotzinapa, we are still missing 43

Las Americas, September 27, 2024.  A decade has passed since the detention and forced disappearance of 43 students from the Normal Rural Isidro Burgos, a teacher training center located in Ayotzinapa, Tixla, Guerrero, Mexico. Over these 10 years, justice has yet to be achieved, and the progress made has been due to the relentless efforts of the parents.

The investigation into the forced disappearance of these young students a grave instance of state violence in Mexico, was initially manipulated to fraudulently protect those responsible.  Despite the requests of the parents, their representatives and the prosecutorial authorities, it has not been possible to obtain full access to the military information necessary to clarify the facts and determine the whereabouts of the students. In this regard, in August 2023 the last report of the Interdisciplinary Group of Independent Experts (GIEI) for Ayotzinapa was clear in pointing out that the Mexican army had information about the detention and disappearance of the students and despite this, decided not to act.  The experts also pointed out the persistence of lies and deception to cover up for those responsible and distort the truth of what happened.

On this anniversary, CEJIL joins the voices that recognize the immense courage and bravery of the mothers and fathers of the disappeared students who have not ceased in their search for justice and in their clamor to recover their sons. Our solidarity stands with them.

Similarly, at CEJIL, we express our deep appreciation to the organizations that stand alongside the families in this struggle.: the Agustín Pro Juárez Human Rights Center, the Human Rights Center of La Montaña-Tlachinollan, Serapaz and the Fundar Center for Analysis and Investigation. These organizations have suffered harassment and attempts to discredit them for their work in defense of human rights.

Forced disappearance is a crime that does not cease until the persons are found or their whereabouts are clarified. But, above all, it is a wound that does not close, a wait that never ends, and a pain that finds no relief..  That is why, on this 10th anniversary, we take up again the demands of relatives and organizations.

To the authorities responsible for delivering justice, we demand the full clarification of the facts, as well as the identification, trial and, if necessary, punishment of all those responsible, both in the civilian and military spheres. In this process, it is essential to ensure independent and rigorous investigations.

To the military authorities, we demand the delivery of all the files in their possession related to this case, since it is clear that they have information that can expedite the investigations.

And to those who assume the new government, we vehemently request that they take the necessary measures to restore the confidence of the families and the organizations that represent them, especially to guarantee the independence of the investigations so that the truth prevails in this case. It is essential in the process that the legitimacy of the defense of human rights be recognized and respected and that the attacks on the organizations cease.

Finally, we reiterate our demand to uncover the whereabouts of the 43 missing youths. Their families miss them, Mexico misses them. We are still missing them.