In June, proposals for reform on the search for missing persons: Rosa Icela

Proposals from groups for the reform to strengthen the search for missing persons are expected to be ready by June. This was the opinion of Rosa Icela Rodríguez , head of the Ministry of the Interior ( Segob ), after the ninth meeting she held with members of search groups.

"It has to be finished by May, because we are already finishing up the meetings, so that in June, let's say the second half of June , we will have it ready (...) we hope that in the next extraordinary session, it could already be presented, that's why we call on you to hurry up so that they have the benefits of these laws," said Rodríguez Velázquez.

You may also be interested in: Sheinbaum warns of extraordinary period for search reforms

At the same time, he indicated that he has already requested a meeting with legislators from both chambers to present and review possible additions to President Claudia Sheinbaum's bill.

"We're looking at the dates, as appropriate for our responsibilities. We know we have to go, and we're happy to do so... to discuss it, which is what we're putting forward again," he commented.

460 proposals from the groups

He also emphasized that 460 proposals were received from the search groups , and that all of them are being considered, but that no unworkable promises will be made, as these are issues for which the responsibility lies with local governments.

In addition, Rodríguez Velázquez said that one of the possible modifications to the original project, which he will present to the head of the Executive, will be the evaluation of the performance of the officials.

“It's part of what they're going to present here, we'll see. It's part of what the groups are asking for: evaluation of public officials, who's doing their job well and who's not. That's why I told them, 'calm down, calm down, take your time.' Because the evaluation of all public servants comes from the population, from the citizens. They tell you: 'No, she's not even doing her job, or she's busy doing something else'... Well, that can't be,” he asserted.

In this first round of talks between the Government and groups searching for people , 562 people from 156 groups across 28 entities were assisted.

Attention to searchers with a gender perspective, says Rosa Icela

Last week, at the conclusion of the sixth roundtable discussion involving seven search groups from the north, center, and south of the country, encompassed in Links for Peace, the country's domestic policymaker stated that institutional strengthening in the area of ​​human rights is needed.

“Undoubtedly, institutional and personnel strengthening is imperative and necessary, as is regulatory harmonization; the profile of officials; and comprehensive investigations with a gender and human rights perspective, in accordance with the conditions of the individuals, must be strengthened,” she commented after hearing the testimonies of searchers.

He also indicated that President Claudia Sheinbaum 's administration will continue its work to prevent the "context that is so damaging" so that such crimes are not repeated and to prevent corruption.

"We know and will do what is necessary to seek the best actions and strategies regarding security, a fundamental element in this context. We want to find you, and we are with you on this painful and complicated path," he stated.

Rosa Icela recognizes the struggle of searchers

At the same time, she called on activists to "pull the pencil" to materialize the proposals, asking them not to let "just public servants work. You've talked about the history you've already built here. Let's work from there," she urged.

Hours earlier, Rosa Icela Rodríguez Velázquez acknowledged the struggle of search engines , as it forces public officials to provide better results.

"First and foremost, we recognize the struggle they have waged on this issue, which compels us to achieve better results. We respect their pain; they have our solidarity ."

In her speech, the country's domestic policy official emphasized that the talks are an opportunity to gather the concerns of activists across the country and to take note of what the government can improve to strengthen the search process for people.

"We hold these meetings because it's our obligation to serve you better; to listen to and address your requests, complaints, comments, proposals, and criticisms, but also because we genuinely believe in working with you to achieve truth and justice," he commented.

She also reiterated her call to government officials to act with humanity and responsibility to prevent impunity, while urging activists to work together, saying, "As authorities, we will do our best to respond to their requests and achieve justice."

“It won't be up to us”: Rosa Icela

He also acknowledged that while the process will not be easy or yield immediate results, Sheinbaum Pardo's administration is willing to move forward on the issue. "It won't be left to us," he asserted.

Days earlier, in the fourth session of the talks, Rodríguez Velázquez asked the activists to maintain open communication and work together to achieve truth and justice.

“We may not see immediate results, but we will achieve them little by little, working together. We will do everything we can to make this happen. This is a matter of humanity that involves all of us, authorities and victims, as well as society as a whole,” Rodríguez Velázquez emphasized.

At the same time, she emphasized that the searches are "a matter of humanity" that involves the entire society and that, furthermore, she, like the activists, " are mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters , and we also have loved ones, and we cannot, and should not, be indifferent to the pain of others."

On that occasion, around 100 people from 40 groups from Sonora, Puebla, the State of Mexico, Guanajuato , and other entities were present to share their concerns and make proposals, which the head of the Interior Ministry said would be heard and taken into account.

Proposed laws to strengthen the reform on the search for missing persons

In turn, she reminded them that President Sheinbaum published a decree to strengthen the search for missing persons , and that this mechanism is accompanied by her proposals for reforming the law, which include:

Single Identity Platform, which will integrate CURP with fingerprints and photographs from birth

National Search Alert with immediate and mandatory activation nationwide National Database of Investigation Files , updated in real time by prosecutors' offices Mandatory and free access to biometric databases of laboratories, funeral homes and hospitals

Strengthening prosecutors' offices with specialized units, trained personnel, and sanctions for omissions