The victims are believed to be migrants from Central and South America who were kidnapped as they were transiting through Mexico on the way to the USA, and killed when they resisted the demands of their attackers. The bodies were found in the state of Tamaulipas near the US border.
This massacre brutally highlights the vulnerability of migrants in Mexico, where they are regularly victims of kidnappings, bribery and extortion and other grave violations of their rights. Violations perpetrated by both criminal groups and state officials are generally committed with total impunity.
Whilst Mexico has repeatedly expressed commitment to the promotion and protection of migrants rights in the international arena, it has failed to take the necessary measures at home. As Mexico prepares to host the next inter-governmental meeting of the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) in November 2010, it must take urgent and concrete measures to increase protection for migrants on its territory.
"Mexico must urgently take action to end impunity for such horrific crimes, starting with effective investigations into the circumstances of the killings of these victims and the prosecution and sanction of those responsible," stated Souhayr Belhassen, FIDH President.