Between the visits, UN experts recognized the progress made by Mexico, which adopted key legislative measures, including the General Law for the Prevention of Torture in 2017 and the General Health Law in 2023.
They also highlighted that the Government established specialized prosecutors’ offices to investigate acts of torture and strengthened its National Prevention Mechanism (MNP) with a solid legal framework and adequate resources.
“However, much remains to be done regarding the implementation of torture prevention measures,” declared Carmen Comas-Mata, head of the SPT delegation.
“We are mainly concerned about the situation observed in addiction treatment centers, especially those that operate privately and outside of an adequate regulatory framework,” he added.
The Subcommittee said it took note of the worrying conditions and coercive practices in such centres, which operate without proper regulation, posing a serious risk of ill-treatment.
“Addressing this situation requires urgent and decisive action by the State,” Comas-Mata declared.
“We are also concerned about the persistent problems in the prompt and effective investigation of acts of torture and the fight against impunity despite the existing solid legal and institutional framework,” he stated.
During the mission, the delegation visited men’s and women’s prisons, police stations, psychiatric hospitals and addiction treatment centers.
He also conducted confidential interviews with detainees and staff.
“The delegation positively values the reinforcement and proper functioning of a solid and professional National Prevention Mechanism, endowed with sufficient resources, which carries out relevant work in the prevention of torture and other ill-treatment,” added Comas-Mata.
“However, it is essential that all members of its Technical Committee be promptly appointed and cooperation with civil society be reestablished,” he said.
The Subcommittee will present a confidential report, with its conclusions and recommendations, to the Government of Mexico.
