Groups, collectives and representatives launched an urgent call to the Mexican government to intervene in the face of the “imminent risk” to the life and safety of “thousands of families” in the Sierra and Border of Chiapas due to territorial disputes and confrontations between criminal groups.
The more than 80 groups and collectives defending the rights highlighted the municipalities and ejidos most affected and cut off by the roadblocks of organized crime groups.
These are municipalities and ejidos near Frontera Comalapa, Chicomuselo, La Concordia, El Porvenir, Motozintla, Bejucal de Ocampo, Bella Vista, Siltepec, Mazapa de Madero, Amatenango de la Frontera. In addition to Monte Cristo de Guerrero, Ángel Albino Corzo, La Grandeza, Niquivil, Pablo L. Sidar and Las Chicharras.
The population of these municipalities, they warned in a statement, is “totally unprotected and abandoned” by state and federal authorities.
These people are forced to participate in blockades. They use it “as human barricades” against the rival group or to prevent the passage of federal forces.
The defense organizations pointed out that the confrontations, blockades and risks for the population are not new; in May, August and September 2023 they suffered similar events.
On those dates, they sent the federal Army and the National Guard and pushed back the aggressors, but when the security forces withdrew, the confrontations returned, the violence escalated and left the population at risk.
Because criminal groups have continued to act since July 18, these regions remain besieged by armed groups and cut off by blockades at different points.
“No one enters and no one leaves by order of the criminal groups,” to this situation are added the power and telecommunications cuts in some municipalities, the shortage of food and the suspension of transportation and health and education services, they highlighted in the statement.
The social atmosphere is further strained by armed actions: clashes and shootings in different areas that represent attacks against the population and put life and integrity at risk.
These violent actions also affect freedom, leading to forced recruitment, confinement and restrictions on mobility, shortage of food and access to health and education.
The statement is signed by, among others, the Monitoring Collective-South Border American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)-Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, Apostolic Sisters of the Heart of Jesus, Digna Ochoa Human Rights Center, Fray Matías de Córdova Human Rights Center.
The Minerva Bello Center for the Rights of Victims of Violence, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), Spaces for the Defense and Community Flourishing (ESPADAC), Training and Capacity Building (FOCA) are also in agreement.
Likewise, Initiatives for Human Development A.C. (IDEHU), Kaltsilaltik AC, The 72nd Refuge Home for Migrants and Doctors of the World–France.
Source: eluniversal
