Human Rights and Civil Society · Justice in Mexico · Transparency & accountability

International Mission in Guerrero: Examining the Judicial System

From November 22nd to the 25th the Due Process of Law Foundation (DPLF) conducted an International Mission in Guerrero Mexico examining the state’s troubled justice system.  Their mission to gather information on the judiciary consisted of a six person delegation including, Judge of the Supreme Court of Spain, former Commissioner of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and member of the Child Rights Committee of the United Nations , and Legal Adviser for Latin America at the International Commission of Jurists. Meeting with various organizations and Guerrero state officials they determined several conclusions.

The delegation highlighted the lack of a clear, transparent and merit-based system for promotion and appointment of officials. They also cited the process of appointment and removal of the State’s Attorney General, which does not guarantee career security. This situation prevents efficient development and implementation of organizational policies and duties. Furthermore, the delegation established that ratified international conventions and treaties were not applied and that there was a lack of cohesiveness between different levels of law.  In terms of access to justice, the delegation determined the legal gap in recognizing indigenous justice as well as other victims having difficulty accessing the legal system, especially women.

The Public Defender’s office was cited as lacking human and financial resources, which hinders the application of justice to marginalized populations, including those in poverty. Finally, the delegation examined plans for criminal reform where they found that though a plan existed for the change from an inquisitorial to an adversarial system there was no plan to address current and immediate issues of violence and crime. The delegation concluded that efforts not only from government, but the citizenry and other social organizations are needed to create an effective administration of justice.

SOURCE:

Fierro, Juan Omar. “Vive Guerrero una Crisis de Seguridad y Justicia.” Noticias MVS. November 26, 2009.

La Jornada. ” Justicia imparcial y expedita en Guerrero, obstaculizada.” La Jornada Guerrero. November 26, 2009.

Due Process of Law Foundation. International Mission in Guerrero, Mexico.

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