Evidence of meeting #66 for Subcommittee on International Human Rights in the 41st Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was mexico.

A recording is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

MPs speaking

Also speaking

Hilda Legideno Vargas  Parent of a missing student, Ayotzinapa Teachers' School, As an Individual
Isidoro Vicario Aguilar  Lawyer, Guerrero State, Tlachinollan Human Rights Center
Jorge Luis Balbuena  Student Leader, Ayotzinapa Teachers' School Student Committee, As an Individual

2:10 p.m.

Lawyer, Guerrero State, Tlachinollan Human Rights Center

Isidoro Vicario Aguilar

We were saying that there is information from the group of experts, first of all, to not reaffirm information that has been sustained by the Mexican government. In other words, we cannot close the investigation. One important recommendation made by the group of experts in its first report was that searches immediately take place by Mexican authorities to look for these living students.

There is collusion from all points of view. As the parliamentarian was saying, there is collusion within organized crime with the government, the local government, but these patterns repeat themselves. In the manner in which there's collusion at the local, state, and federal level, likewise there's collusion within the public service with local authorities, state authorities, and at the federal level as well.

This is why we were saying that so far there is no public servant from the state who is dealing with a process or a legal case of Ayotzinapa because the government has not wanted to begin these investigations. The students, the survivors of September 26 and 27, have given testimony during investigations in an official fashion, in a formal fashion, so that new lines of investigation can be opened, focused upon public servants mainly at intermediate and high levels.

We have also formally asked for another line of investigation that would have to do with the Mexican army as well, because there are real aspects to the investigations, to the declarations in the file, so that these new lines of investigation can be opened. Unfortunately, for reasons that we cannot understand, the federation has not wanted to open these new lines of investigation. This is why we affirm that this collusion exists both ways, from the line of authorities or public servants, as well as with organized crime.

2:10 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Scott Reid

Unfortunately, that will have to end our questioning. We've run about 15 minutes over time to allow what I think we would all agree is very useful and informative testimony.

I want to thank all the witnesses for coming here today. I know you've shown a great deal of courage. The matters you've drawn to our attention are both tragic and important. We are very grateful to you for coming here today. Many thanks.

I believe Mr. Balbuena has something to say.

2:10 p.m.

Student Leader, Ayotzinapa Teachers' School Student Committee, As an Individual

Jorge Luis Balbuena

Before going back to Mexico, I would like to say that at this time we are very afraid for our individual safety, for the safety of our parents, our family members, our students, the social organizations, and the professors, but mainly the parents and the families who stayed in Mexico. I just wanted to add that because the Mexican government has never ensured anybody's safety. They are very repressive.

We fear there will be a greater impact. We want you to bear this in mind because the large organizations that are responsible for human rights have made recommendations, and the Mexican government is not respecting these recommendations.

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Scott Reid

Thank you very much.

I should ask before I adjourn, do the other two commentators want to say anything? Do the witnesses want to say anything?

2:15 p.m.

Lawyer, Guerrero State, Tlachinollan Human Rights Center

Isidoro Vicario Aguilar

We'd just like to thank you for letting us come here, and we hope you will bear in mind the request that has been made by our commission.

Thank you.

2:15 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Scott Reid

Thank you to all three of you.

The meeting is adjourned.