An official United Nations (UN) Inquiry found “grave and systemic” abuses against children and adults with disabilities in Mexico, segregated from society and subject to violence and abuse. The UN representatives obtained heinous information visiting institutions – psychiatric facilities, orphanages, children’s group homes and other closed institutions. See DRI video showing atrocious abuses and recommendations for reform.
“The United Nations affirmed what Disability Rights International (DRI) has documented over decades: violence and abuse against people with disabilities on a massive scale throughout Mexico. In the name of “care” people are being hurt rather than helped. The United Nations calls on the government of Mexico to replace institutions with humane care in the community." – Lisbet Brizuela, Director, DRI Mexico
“They locked me up for two months in a tiny room that had nothing but a small slit and a tiny hole, and they didn't give me anything to eat. Imagine the fear and the anxiety.” – Eduardo Verduzco, Survivor of La Gran Familia, Michoacán
Since 2000, DRI has documented human rights violations against persons with disabilities in orphanages, psychiatric hospitals, group homes, shelters, and addiction rehabilitation centers. DRI's findings are appalling—people tied down in painful positions, overmedication to control their will, physical and sexual abuse, and trafficking are some of the situations faced by persons with disabilities in institutions. In addition, DRI has found that people live in institutions because of their disability, because of poverty, and because the State has not created alternative support in the community.
"People with disabilities have the same human rights as all others. That includes the right to care and support in the community, where they can live in dignity with family as part of society. All people with disabilities must be protected from violence. Women and girls must be especially protected from rape, trafficking, and exploitation for sex." – Priscila Rodriguez, Associate Director, DRI
"I grew up in an orphanage. After that, I was transferred to an institution in Mexico City. There I was raped and sterilized by staff and forced to clean their homes. After DRI’s investigation, I was liberated from this terrible place." – Woman survivor from an institution
The UN Report finds that Mexico must take immediate action to meet its obligations under international law to protect people with disabilities. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) requires that Mexico reform its system of social support and mental health care to end its system of segregated services and ensure that people with disabilities have the support needed to live in the community with choices equal to others. UN human rights authorities call for a moratorium to prevent new admissions to institutions for children or adults with disabilities.
To review the full UN report findings and recommendations in Spanish: see here
For an unofficial English language version of the report: click here
Press may contact DRI at [email protected] for more information, as well as photographs and video documentation.
Register here for the online Presentation of the Inquiry Report and recommendations issued by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to Mexico hosted by Disability Rights International and supported by the Global Coalition on Deinstitutionalization.
April 9, 2026
9 am Mexico City (11am EDT)
Online (Zoom)