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United Nations Report on Grave and Systemic Abuses in Mexico

Based on years of human rights fact-finding in Mexico, DRI submitted a petition to for an official UN Inquiry. As a result, the United Nations has found "grave and systemic" human rights violations in Mexico's institutions for children with disabilities. The UN reports linked here includes legal findings and recommendations for reform that Mexico must take to meet its obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The UN also issued a detailed report of factual findings based on its visit to Mexico.
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DRI petition leads to UN condemnation of Mexico Institutions
Video: UN Exposes Abuse Against People with Disabilities in Institutions in Mex…

DRI petition leads to UN condemnation of Mexico institutions

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.

An Institution Is Not a Home: Mexican Government considers supportive housing

Disability Rights International (DRI) recently convened a forum for the Mexican Senate to highlight community-based housing models for people with psychiatric, psychosocial and intellectual disabilities.

Around the world, DRI has found that many people with disabilities (PWD), and those abandoned on the streets, end up living their lives in institutions. The lack of community support often combines with the misconception that they are unable to have - or do not deserve - a home of their own.

DRI sponsored UN COSP virtual side-event on June 9th - Overcoming abuse, trauma, and exclusion in indigenous communities

Disability Rights International (DRI) hosted this UN COSP virtual side-event exploring the challenges that indigenous people with disabilities are facing in communities in Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, and the United States.

Overcoming abuse, trauma, and exclusion in indigenous communities: 
Innovative approaches to mental health and education
Monday, June 9 | 11:30-12:45 PM ET
Zoom Webinar

Speakers:

Introduction & Moderator:

International Forum "Children and Adolescents with Disabilities: Perspectives, Rights and Challenges"

To mark the forthcoming Children's Day in Mexico, on April 23, 2025, Disability Rights International and the Mexico City Institute for People with Disabilities organized the International Forum "Children and Adolescents with Disabilities: Perspectives, Rights and Challenges" set out to foster a space for dialogue and reflection of the diverse challenges faced by children and adolescents with disabilities and their support networks and families in different contexts.

Inter- American Commission on Human Rights hears testimony on abuse and torture case filed by DRI and Georgetown Law School’s O’Neil Institute

Washington, DC, July 2023 – The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), recently held a public hearing on a case filed against the Mexican government by Disability Rights International (DRI) and Georgetown University Law School’s O'Neill Institute, regarding the abuses and torture perpetrated against children and adults – most with developmental disabilities - who are confined indefinitely to the Casa Esperanza Institution in Mexico.  

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DRI Litigation Docket (Public)

DRI conducts litigation at the national and international level to enforce and expand the right of children and adults to live in the community with choices equal to others. Our cases seek immediate protections from neglect, denial of basic care, violence and trafficking and systemic changes in law and policies to address the root causes of segregation and abuse. See DRI's global docket of cases here.
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