UN High Commissioner Türk Hears Ayotzinapa Testimony During Mexico Visit

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk met with collectives and families of disappeared persons in Mexico City during a four-day visit. On April 20, families of disappeared persons — including Ayotzinapa relatives — met with Türk at the Centro Cultural España, requesting that he back a referral of Mexico's disappearances crisis to the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances and strengthen that body's authority over Mexico's obligations. On April 21, Türk held a formal session at which Ayotzinapa family member Cristina Bautista, mother of Benjamín Ascencio, testified: 'After 11 years, we have not achieved the truth.' She requested Türk's support so detained suspects would testify and provide evidence on the students' whereabouts. Türk stated he would 'continue accompanying the victims' and be 'attentive.' Forced disappearances, including Ayotzinapa, were described as the most discussed topic in all meetings with Mexican authorities during the visit.