In the context of the so-called “war against organized crime”, Mexico has experienced an alarming increase in the levels of violence and insecurity in recent years. The public security strategy, based on the use of force and militarization, has had a significant impact on gross violations of human rights such as torture, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial executions.

As part of the militarized strategy, began in 2011 the Joint Operations, driven by state governors under the National Conference of Governors (CONAGO). This type of operations facilitates the coordination of 32 local police forces with the Federal Police and the Army in order to carry out actions to fight against organized crime. These operations have resulted in several human rights violations, including extrajudicial executions, which have been denied by both state and Federal authorities. This is the case of Mr. Joaquin Figueroa, extrajudicially killed in the state of Veracruz, a crime that still remains unpunished.

Mexican authorities have justified the excessive use of force as necessary to combat organized crime, killing thousands of innocent people. Abuses committed by the armed forces will not stop until a new public security strategy is implemented with strict adherence to human rights lead by civil authorities.