On the other hand, through a statement, the UN High Commissioner’s Office in Mexico called on the Mexican State to protect minors against all types of disappearance.
He recalled that in its mission report to Mexico, the Committee against Forced Disappearances highlighted the “notable increase in the disappearance of boys and girls from the age of 12, as well as adolescents and women, a trend that became more acute in the context of the pandemic”.
In addition, the UN-DH said that it “especially recognizes” girls and boys who are looking for their loved ones, participate in search days and take part in investigative proceedings. “We reiterate: it is the obligation of the authorities to prevent, investigate, punish and repair disappearances,” she said.
Today, on the day of the girl and the boy, it is important to remember that there are more than 16,487 people who were children and adolescents when they were reported missing, most of them between 13 and 17 years old. More than 55% are girls. ? pic.twitter.com/yjoVPiiQfe
– Karla Quintana O. (@kiquinta)
April 30, 2022
It indicated that in complying with said obligations, “the State must take into account the differentiated impact that disappearances have on girls and boys, consider their specific needs and ensure the best interests of children.
Finally, the UN-DH welcomed the adoption of the Additional Protocol for the Search of Children and Adolescents and the initiatives of civil organizations to make disappearances visible with a child-based approach.
Last Thursday, the international organization Save the Children urged the Government and Mexican society to “stop the violence and protect the rights of children and adolescents in the country,” on the eve of Children’s Day, which is celebrated this Saturday. The international NGO detailed that, according to official figures, in 2021 seven children or adolescents were murdered daily and 37 suffered physical violence.
