Fray Juan De Larios: Two Decades of Advocacy in Human Rights Amidst Disappearance Crisis
The center operates as a critical platform for victims' families, advocating for justice and policy reform while coordinating with national and international bodies to address the ongoing crisis
Fray Juan De Larios: Two Decades of Advocacy in Human Rights Amidst Disappearance Crisis
By Esmeralda Sanchez, Border News, Saltillo.- Fray Juan De Larios, under the leadership of Bishop José Raúl Vera López since 1999, has been a bastion of human rights advocacy in Coahuila, focusing significantly on the crisis of disappearances. Established initially to aid socially displaced individuals, the center has shifted its primary focus towards the rampant issues of migrant disappearances and the systemic abuses faced by local miners.
The center's journey began when Vera, influenced by his time with Samuel Ruiz in Chiapas, initiated the human rights operations amidst Coahuila's vulnerable populations, particularly migrants and miners facing extreme adversities. The tragic explosion at Pasta de Conchos in 2006 highlighted severe safety oversights affecting miners and brought global attention to the region’s industrial malpractices.
Over the years, Fray Juan De Larios's scope expanded to include diverse social groups, integrating efforts to combat gender-based violence and supporting LGBTQ+ rights through various community initiatives.
The turning point for the center came with the increasing violence and kidnappings affecting the migrant population, marking a new era of criminal impunity. Under the leadership of Blanca Isabel MartÃnez Bustos since 2009, the center has been instrumental in documenting cases of forced disappearances and advocating for systemic changes in regional security policies.
Today, the center continues to operate as a critical platform for victims' families, advocating for justice and policy reform while coordinating with national and international bodies to address the ongoing crisis. As it moves forward, Fray Juan De Larios remains dedicated to its mission, advocating for the rights and dignities of those marginalized and affected by violence and corruption in the region.
Rio Grande's Water Crisis Exacerbated by More Than Just Mexican Shortfalls
By Berenice Garcia, The Texas Tribune, McAllen.- Recent findings reveal significant challenges in the Rio Grande water supply, emphasizing that Mexico's failures to meet treaty obligations are only part of the problem. The water levels at Amistad and Falcon international reservoirs are critically low, holding only 19% and 12% of their capacities, respectively.
Research from the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) indicates a stark reduction in U.S. water contributions over the past decades, complicating the longstanding issue with Mexico. The Amistad Reservoir's U.S. inflows have dropped by 33% compared to the 1980s, a decrease of 4.6 million acre-feet, while Falcon Reservoir has seen a 21.5% reduction.
These findings have prompted calls for increased water diversification and conservation strategies within the region, where 90% of the water supply depends on the Rio Grande. State Rep. Janie Lopez has highlighted legislative efforts to fund water infrastructure improvements, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to address the crisis.
As discussions continue, the focus remains on Mexico's compliance with the 1944 water treaty and on enhancing local water management and infrastructure to ensure sustainability and resilience against ongoing drought conditions.
Texas Ranger Reinstated After Uvalde Shooting Response: No Criminal Charges Found
By Pooja Salhotra, The Texas Tribune.- The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has reinstated Texas Ranger Christopher Ryan Kindell, previously terminated for his actions during the tragic Uvalde school shooting in May 2022. DPS Director Steve McCraw reversed the firing following a recommendation from Uvalde County District Attorney Christina Mitchell after no criminal wrongdoing was found in Kindell's conduct.
The reinstatement comes after an extensive review by the Texas Rangers and internal DPS investigations, alongside the completion of a grand jury process initiated by DA Mitchell. This decision allows Kindell to resume his duties in Uvalde County, where he has been a significant law enforcement figure, notably leading investigations into severe crimes such as child abuse and murder.
This development is part of a broader examination of law enforcement's delayed response during the Robb Elementary School shooting, which resulted in the deaths of 19 children and two teachers. The massacre marked the deadliest school shooting in Texas history and has spurred numerous investigations into the actions of 376 responding officers. Despite widespread criticism over handling the incident, Kindell's reinstatement is supported by local judicial authorities who value his long-standing service and commitment to the community.