Chihuahua, Chih., April 04, 2022. This weekend, meetings were held in Hidalgo del Parral and the city of Cuauhtémoc, Chihuahua between the group of family members of disappeared individuals grouped under the Center for Women’s Human Rights (CEDEHM), the State Attorney General and Secretary General, the respective zone attorney generals, the Human Rights Attorney General and the Local Search Commissioner. The meetings were the result of the “Walking Until We Find Them” march that took place on March 18, 19, 20 and 21, which covered various municipalities in the state.

In the meetings, the families spoke about their experience, which in some cases spans over 10 years, in the search, investigation and specialized services provided to the indirect victims of this crime; furthermore, they requested better coordination between all the authorities involved and mainly that work be initiated along with the families, to move forward to overcome the main obstacles in these cases, in which they proposed regular monitoring and direct supervision by the State Attorney General.

The authorities stated that they will seek to give a new impetus to the state response in terms of prevention, services and monitoring of cases of disappearance in Chihuahua. Additionally, it was agreed to create working groups with the authorities to prepare a strategic search plan and monthly review of case files.

A topic that was discussed in both meetings was the need to allocate more resources to both the Local Search Commission and the State Attorney’s Units in charge of investigating cases of disappearance, as well as the State Executive Commission for Victims; in this regard, both the Secretary and the Attorney General stated that they could request a budget increase.

On the other hand, the State Attorney General promised to meet quarterly with the group to personally monitor the cases of disappearance in Chihuahua.

At CEDEHM, we hope that these meetings mark a new stage in the search for truth, justice and comprehensive reparation for the disappeared individuals and their families.