08/18/10 – The Office of the High Commissioner of the United Nations for Human Rights (Oficina del Alto Comisionado de las Naciones Unidas para los Derechos Humanos –ONU-DH) in México expressed the need to protect the fundamental rights of women in Guanajuato due to the high levels of violence against women registered in the region. According to a press release issued by the organization, Guanajuato “shows worrying levels of violence against women, including sexual violence,” which has prompted the organization to send a team of experts to that region in order to asses the situation of women, particularly in regards to rights concerning non-discrimination and a life free of violence. Also noted was the “persistence of cultural patterns that encourage the abuse of these rights, while limiting the full exercise of sexual and reproductive rights” in that region.
In light of this, the organization recommended the reevaluation of the local law in order to prevent, attend, and eradicate violence against women, in a manner that guarantees the visibility of the problem at hand and specializes attention toward the victims. They also recommended a review of the criminal charge “homicide by reason of kinship,” and its application to cases of distinct nature such as sexual abuse. The office highlighted the challenge of the state and public servants “to adequately address these cases and hopes that the identification, prosecution and punishment of those responsible will contribute to the fight against impunity.” Since 2000 a total of 166 women have been sentenced to prison time for the crime of homicide by reason of kinship.
Sources:
Notimex. “Inquieta a ONU situacion de mujeres en Guanajuato.” SDP Noticias. 18 Agosto, 2010.
El Universal. “Preocupante, caso de mujeres en Guanajuato: ONU.” El Universal. 18 Agosto, 2010.
