Concern over the Shrinking Civic Space in Chiapas and Attacks against Human Rights Defenders

Several national and international organizations express our deep concern over the deteriorating conditions for the defense of human rights in Chiapas. This statement follows the break-in at the home of Dora Roblero, Director of the Fray Bartolomé de Las Casas Human Rights Center (CDH Frayba), as well as the ongoing surveillance, intimidation, and harassment against this organization.

Since January 2024, 156 attacks against human rights defenders have been documented in Chiapas, including killings, threats, and armed assaults, in a context marked by criminal group violence and the lack of state guarantees.

We urgently call on the Mexican State to protect the work of human rights defenders, publicly support their efforts, and carry out thorough investigations into crimes committed against them. We also urge the international community to remain attentive to the situation and take measures to protect civic space in Chiapas.

📄 Read the full statement here