^{FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE}

^{October 1, 2024}

^CONTACT:

^{Yanci Nuñez | ynunez@alianzaamericas.org (312) 866-0312}

Alianza Americas, a network of 58 organizations representing thousands of migrants from Latin America and the Caribbean in the United States, salutes Ms. Claudia Sheinbaum on her historic inauguration as the first female President of Mexico. This milestone victory not only marks a significant moment for gender equality but also underscores the political transformations generated by quota laws. In addition, Sheinbaum's past roles as head of the government of Mexico City and as Secretary of the Environment of the Federal District, where she implemented innovative policies on environmental and urban mobility issues, further enhance our confidence in her leadership. We celebrate this achievement and value her experience, especially when responses to climate change and sustainability are increasingly urgent for Mexico and the world.

President Sheinbaum comes to power at a time of profound transformation. Since Mexico opted for the militarization of public security, the country has suffered an increase in human rights violations, an alarming trend for any government committed to peace and justice. The constitutional reform places the National Guard under the control of the Secretary of National Defense and intensifies concerns about the lack of accountability mechanisms within the Armed Forces. "It has been proven that military presence in the streets does not guarantee citizen security, but rather can aggravate the human rights crisis facing the country," said Guadalupe de la Cruz, president of the Board of Directors of Alianza Americas and director of Seeds of Resistance, in Florida.

Likewise, the arrival of a woman to the presidency is not, by itself, a guarantee of profound transformations if the structural inequalities affecting Mexican women are not addressed. "The election of a female president is symbolically significant, but it does not address the deep class and racial disparities that continue to affect many girls and women in Mexico," stressed Giselle Rodríguez, Board Member of Alianza Americas and Executive Director of Illinois Workers in Action. Policies must go beyond the symbolic and focus on closing the gaps that prevent equal access to opportunities. "We demand the implementation of public policies that guarantee social justice, access to quality education and health. A true redistribution of wealth is urgent, a fundamental condition for real and lasting change," said Luis Gallegos from Pueblos Transnacionales.

Claudia Sheinbaum's mandate brings with it a historic responsibility, considering the increase in violence, the homicide rate, the number of forcibly disappeared persons, and the weaknesses in the investigation and prosecution of those responsible for human rights violations. This government must implement forceful actions to address these violations and protect victims and their families, providing them with justice and reparations. "Accountability and due process are essential to building a future of justice and peace in Mexico," emphasized Cindy Garcia, Board Member of Alianza Americas and a migrant rights advocate in Alabama.

"We request that your administration follow the recommendations of the United Nations system and the Inter-American Human Rights System, prioritizing the protection of victims and the fight against impunity as central axes of your mandate," said Zorayda Avila of the Alianza Americas team.

Adding to these concerns is the recent approval of a judicial reform, which establishes the election of judges by popular vote. This radical change introduces uncertainty around the rule of law in Mexico. "This judicial reform is a risky experiment that jeopardizes the stability and independence of the country's judicial system," warned COPAL's deputy executive director, Carolina Ortiz.

Finally, as a network of migrant organizations, we recognize Mexico's achievements in foreign policy, particularly its leadership in implementing robust and pioneering consular protection, which is critical to safeguarding the rights of Mexicans abroad. "We are confident that Claudia Sheinbaum's administration will continue to strengthen this approach, maintaining an agenda that prioritizes the rights of migrants. We call on the President to reject any policy that favors repression towards migrants, both in Mexico and in the region, and for her government to avoid perpetuating policies of exclusion and violence," concluded Dulce Guzman, executive director of Alianza Americas.

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Alianza Americas is the premier transnational advocacy network of Latin American migrant-led organizations working in the United States, across the Americas, and globally to create an inclusive, equitable and sustainable way of life for communities across North, Central and South America.

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