In Chiapas, so far this year, the number of murders against children or adolescents has tripled, since between January and October 2024 there are 23 cases, while in the same period of 2023, eight were recorded, according to the Network for Children’s Rights in Mexico (Redim).
He details that in the last six years, the administration of Rutilio Escandon Chains43 minors lost their lives shape violent.
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The most recent case is that of Yuritzia Elivani N16 years old, who arrived in Tuxpan Gutiérrez with his family, who were fleeing the violence in Comalapa Border.
On Wednesday night he was the victim of a stray bullet from a confrontation between armed civilians and elements of the Tactical Operations Group (GOPES) of the Secretariat of Public Security and Citizen Protection.
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SHOOTING IN BELISARIO DOMÍNGUEZ
According to police reports, men traveling in a truck began shooting and then went in the opposite direction on the boulevard. Belisario Dominguezwhere they met the GOPES, which began the shooting in front of the main entrance of the Autonomous University of Chiapas.
One of the alleged criminals He got out of the vehicle and was hit by multiple shots, causing him to die at the scene, while the driver fled wounded and took refuge in a hotel to later be arrested.
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During the scuffle, a bullet hit the young woman, who was traveling on a bus on Route A. Elvani o Elias his family and friends called him, was a student at CBTIS 233 of Plan de Ayala y from the pander In the church she attended, she was returning home when the projectile hit her; His body was laid to rest yesterday.
Witnesses blamed the bus driver death of the girlbecause they claim that he was able to stop and even go into reverse; However, he decided to move forward despite the shots.
“Girls, boys and adolescents have the right to peace, not to be deprived of their lives under any circumstances, nor to be used in armed or violent conflicts”; establishes article 16 of the General Law on the Rights of Girls, Boys and Adolescents.
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According to the I refusein 2023 and 2022 eight murders of minors were recorded each, while in 2021 (13), 2020 (9), 2019 (nine) and 2018 (12).
From January to June of this year, 399 firearm homicides of people between 0 and 17 years old were recorded in Mexico (45 women and 354 men), the organization details.
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What are the main factors contributing to the rise in violence against children in Chiapas?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Ana López, Child Advocate and Sociologist
Editor: Welcome, Dr. López. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the alarming rise in violence against children and adolescents in Chiapas. The statistics indicate a tripling of murders in just one year. What do you think has contributed to this shocking increase?
Dr. López: Thank you for having me. The surge in violence against minors can be attributed to several interconnected factors. Primarily, the ongoing instability and conflict in regions like Chiapas have created a breeding ground for violence. Many families are fleeing areas like Comalapa, only to encounter dangerous situations elsewhere. The recent tragic death of 16-year-old Yuritzia Elivani, who was caught in a crossfire while seeking safety, underscores the dire circumstances that many families face.
Editor: That’s a heartbreaking case. The report mentions that there were 23 cases of murder this year compared to just eight last year. Can you elaborate on how the government’s administration may have impacted these figures?
Dr. López: Certainly. Over the past six years of Rutilio Escandon’s administration, we have witnessed a significant rise in organized crime and violence. Many children have become collateral damage during confrontations between armed groups and security forces, rather than being protected. This lack of adequate safety measures and ineffective governance has left vulnerable populations, especially children, at a greater risk.
Editor: It raises the question of how local governments deal with security issues. Are there any strategies being discussed or implemented to better protect minors in these environments?
Dr. López: Unfortunately, many proposed strategies have not been adequately implemented. For instance, child protection protocols, while discussed, often lack the required resources and enforcement. International and local organizations, including the Network for Children’s Rights in Mexico (Redim), emphasize the need for both immediate and long-term solutions, such as community engagement initiatives, educational programs, and mental health support for affected families. Furthermore, there needs to be a strong focus on restoring trust in law enforcement so that parents feel safe reporting incidents.
Editor: That sounds essential. What role do communities play in addressing this crisis? Is there a grassroots movement that could help slow this tide of violence?
Dr. López: Absolutely, community engagement is vital. Grassroots movements can offer support through awareness campaigns, creating safe spaces for children, and organizing community surveillance initiatives. We have seen positive examples where local residents take action, share information, and work with NGOs to create safer environments. However, this requires a cooperative relationship with authorities, which is often a challenge due to the current distrust.
Editor: Given the scale of the problem and the stakes involved, what steps should the government prioritize immediately to address the surge in violence against children?
Dr. López: The government must first acknowledge the crisis and prioritize child protection within its policies. Immediate steps should include increasing funding for child welfare services, enhanced law enforcement training focused on the protection of minors, and establishing clear protocols for responding to violence. Additionally, fostering partnerships between the government, NGOs, and community organizations is crucial for creating a sustainable support network for affected families.
Editor: Dr. López, thank you for shedding light on this critical issue. Your insights are invaluable as we navigate this crisis affecting so many children in Chiapas and throughout Mexico.
Dr. López: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this pressing matter. It’s essential that we continue to raise awareness and push for change to protect the most vulnerable members of our society.