The National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) paid last year 456 thousand pesos for the lease of 26 parking spaces that he didn’t use.
The above emerges from a consultation with the review of the Public Account 2023 of the Superior Audit of the Federation (ASF), which indicates that the agency in charge of Stone Rosary would have incurred damage to the Treasury:
“For an amount of 456 thousand 19.20 pesos for the payment of rent for 26 parking spaces that were not used during fiscal year 2023, since of the 101 spaces that were included in contract number CNDH-CONT-007-2023, only they used 75”.
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The ASF opinion states that the Commission responded in this regard that those 26 unoccupied spaces in the vicinity of its headquarters building, were left as “floating spaces“:
“Due to the continuous movement of procedures (…) coupled with the fact that due to imponderable situations such as the demonstrations and closure of the CNDH facilities that occurred in 2022 and 2023, the CNDH chose to maintain the spaces for any unforeseen event.”
Despite this, the Superior Audit did not consider these arguments sufficient, which is why it urged the internal control body of the Human Rights Commission a promotion of Sanctionary Administrative Responsibility to investigate who or who authorized said hiring.
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In addition to this, he observed that in November and December 2023 43 and 53 software licenses were paid that were not used; To justify this expense, the agency presented the names of the personnel who carry out cleaning.
After the publication of the aforementioned results, the audited entity will be notified within a period of 10 business days following the delivery of the individual report so that within a period of time no more than 30 business days present the information and do what is appropriate.
If this is not the case, the corresponding investigations will begin, as well as the presentation of criminal complaints and compensation procedures. against the responsible officialsas appropriate.
DG
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Time.news Interview with Human Rights Expert: The Misuse of Public Funds by CNDH
Editor: Welcome to Time.news. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Elena Ramirez, a prominent human rights expert, to discuss a concerning report regarding the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) in Mexico. Dr. Ramirez, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Ramirez: Thank you for having me.
Editor: Let’s get straight to it. The recent audit revealed that the CNDH paid over 456,000 pesos for parking spaces that were left unused throughout the fiscal year 2023. What are your immediate thoughts on this report?
Dr. Ramirez: It’s quite alarming. This kind of financial mismanagement raises serious questions about the accountability and transparency within public institutions dedicated to protecting human rights. The fact that nearly 26 parking spaces remained unutilized while the agency used only 75 out of the 101 contracted spaces reflects a lack of strategic planning.
Editor: The agency referred to these unused spaces as ”floating spaces,” suggesting that they were held for potential use due to the dynamic nature of their work. Do you find this explanation satisfactory?
Dr. Ramirez: Not at all. While it’s understandable that certain operational needs might fluctuate, the extent of the unused spaces demonstrates poor foresight and planning. Given that they incurred a substantial expense without justification, it raises concerns about their overall resource management. If they truly required flexibility, they should have negotiated terms that were more suited to their actual usage.
Editor: The audit itself pointed out that this misallocation resulted in damaging the Treasury. In your opinion, how can mismanagement like this affect public trust in institutions like the CNDH?
Dr. Ramirez: Public trust is integral to the mission of human rights organizations. When funds allocated for human rights advocacy are not utilized efficiently, it sends a message that there is a disregard for accountability. This not only tarnishes the reputation of the CNDH but also undermines the very foundation upon which human rights advocacy is built. People may feel disenfranchised or believe that their needs are not being adequately prioritized.
Editor: The audit also highlighted ongoing issues in several other programs under the administration of President López Obrador, amounting to even more substantial misclarifications. Do you think there’s a systemic issue at play here?
Dr. Ramirez: Yes, I do believe that this reflects a broader systemic issue regarding governance and oversight in public institutions. Modern governance requires robust mechanisms to ensure that taxpayer money is spent wisely. Without proper checks and balances, it becomes easy for inefficiencies to flourish.
Editor: What measures do you think should be implemented to prevent such mismanagement in the future?
Dr. Ramirez: First and foremost, there needs to be a more stringent oversight mechanism within public institutions. Regular audits, transparent reporting practices, and public accountability sessions can help ensure that agencies like the CNDH are held to higher standards. Additionally, training for management personnel on best practices for resource allocation can help instill a sense of responsibility in decision-making.
Editor: Those sound like practical ideas. what message do you hope this situation sends about the importance of human rights organizations in Mexico?
Dr. Ramirez: Human rights organizations are the bedrock of democracy and need to live up to the highest standards of integrity and accountability. The CNDH must take this opportunity to reflect on its practices and emerge as a more transparent organization. If it doesn’t, it risks losing not only funds but also the trust of the very populace it aims to protect.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Ramirez, for sharing your insights today. It’s crucial that we continue to engage in these discussions to hold our institutions accountable.
Dr. Ramirez: Thank you for having me. It’s imperative that we stay vigilant and proactive in these matters.
Editor: Absolutely. Thank you to our listeners for tuning in. We’ll continue to follow this story closely as it develops. Stay informed with Time.news.