MEXICO || Solidarity with Indigenous woman defender Silvia Pérez Yescas

To the Mexican State;

To the Ministry of the Interior and the Protection Mechanism for Human Rights Defenders and Journalists;

To the Special Prosecutor’s Office for Attention to High-Impact Crimes in Oaxaca;

To national and international public opinion:

We, the undersigned organizations, express our deep concern regarding the lack of access to justice for the acts of harassment, threats, and violence against Silvia Pérez Yescas, founder and coordinator of Mujeres Indígenas por Casa CIARENA A.C. Ms. Pérez Yescas has dedicated her life to defending the rights of indigenous women and girls in Oaxaca. As a result of her work, she has been subjected to persistent threats and forced to relocate; she now lives under constant risk.

The threats began in 2011, after Silvia denounced a federal employee of the National Institute for Indigenous Peoples (formerly the National Commission for the Development of Indigenous Peoples) for abuse of power and sexual violence against indigenous women. Since then, intimidation and attacks have escalated:

• In May 2024, the same official—still employed at the INPI—assaulted a federal technician sent to install solar panels at Casa CIARENA and sent additional threatening messages to Ms. Pérez Yescas, intensifying the pattern of harassment.
• In February 2025, there was a break-in at her home: the lock was tampered with, and documents and computer equipment were stolen.
• In June 2025, Casa CIARENA’s office was broken into again.

Despite Silvia’s complaint in 2024, the investigations have made no substantive progress. Although the Protection Mechanism granted her measures, they remain insufficient and culturally inappropriate: the emergency telephone requires internet access, which she does not have, and surveillance is provided by officers linked to the aggressor, further aggravating her vulnerability.

In light of this situation, we call on the Mexican State to:

1. Ensure that the Oaxaca Prosecutor’s Office for Crimes of High Social Impact promptly, thoroughly, and impartially investigates the threats and attacks against Silvia Pérez Yescas and her organization, including bringing those responsible to justice.
2. Conduct an independent investigation and take appropriate action on allegations of cases of violence against women and abuse of power committed by government employees.
3. Adopt a zero-tolerance policy to cases of violence against women and girls in line with the government’s obligations under the Convention for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women and its General Recommendation 39.
4. Implement non-repetition measures to end systematic violence against human rights defenders, particularly indigenous women.
5. Provide Ms. Pérez Yescas with effective, adequate, and culturally relevant protection measures tailored to her circumstances.

We recall that legislative advances on Indigenous Peoples’ rights must translate into real protections for those who defend them. Protecting indigenous women defenders is essential to ensure that legal recognition becomes tangible in the daily lives of Indigenous Peoples.

As international human rights organizations, we will remain vigilant of this situation and of the Mexican State’s compliance with its international commitments to protect women defenders.

We reiterate our solidarity with Silvia Pérez Yescas and with all indigenous women defenders who courageously defend the rights of Indigenous Peoples, including Indigenous Women and girls.

Sincerely,

1. Abie Anongos, CWEARC, Philippines
2. Abigail Severo Vásquez, Colectiva Ayuuk Toxëjk, Mexico
3. Adolfina Kuum Dolie, Komunitas Peduli Lingkungan, Indonesia
4. Adv Muhammad Bux, Sukaar Welfare Organization, Pakistan
5. Agnes Kharshiing, Civil Society Women Organization, India
6. Aisa Kristine Daguitan, Indigenous Peoples Rights International, Philippines
7. Ajin Vensentius, Dayakologi Center, Indonesia
8. Albert Chan, Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigación y Desarrollo Alternativo U Yich Lu'um, Mexico
9. Alberto Saldamando, Indigenous Environmental Network, United States
10. Alejandra Henriquez, Urgent Action Fund Latin America and the Caribbean, Colombia
11. Alex Alvarez, SIT Study Abroad Peru - World Learning, Peru
12. Alfonso Huet, Asociación de Desarrollo Integral Comunitario Indígena (ADICI), Guatemala
13. Aney Chakma, Women Resources network, Bangladesh
14. Anicet Katsuva, Ligue Des Sacrifices Volontaires Pour La Defense Des Droits Humains Et D'envornnement point focal CIVIL BRIDGE, DemocraticRepublic of the Congo
15. Anjali Daimari, Boro Women’s Justice Forum, India
16. Ansilla MECER, Yayasan Karya Sosial Pancur Kasih, Indonesia
17. Anthony Debbarma, Borok Peoples Human Rights Organization, India
18. Anya Links, Nossob Groep, Namibia
19. Assa Asso, Papuan Voices, Indonesia
20. Basavi Kiro, Indigenous Women India Network, India
21. Bernice See, Indigenous Peoples Right International, Philippines
22. Bestang Dekdeken, Cordillera Peoples Alliance, Philippines
23. Beverly Longid, Katribu Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas, Philippines
24. Bidya Shrestha Maharjan, Human Rights Awareness Center, Nepal
25. Bouba Amadou, Lelewal Foundation, Cameroon
26. Carlos Guadalupe Heiras Rodríguez, Perspectivas Interdisciplinarias en Red Asociación Civil, Mexico
27. Catherin Toyeng, Asia Indigenous Peoples Network on Extractive Industries & Energy, Philippines
28. Cecilio Librado, Federación Indígena Empresarial y Comunidades Locales de México. A.C., Mexico
29. Chandra Kulung, Nepal Kirat Kulung Bhasa Sanskriti Utthan Sangh (Kirat Kulu Guskham), Nepal
30. Cica Paen', Dayakologi Center, Indonesia
31. Clara Merino, Movimiento Mujeres Luna Creciente, Ecuador
32. Claude Buhendwa Byamungu, Alliance Nationale d'Appui et de Promotion des Aires et Territoires du Patrimoine Autochtone et Communautaire enRD Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo
33. Cristina Avila, Comuna Rebelión, Ecuador
34. Daniel Braza, Asia Pacific Network for Environmental Defenders, Philippines
35. Daniel Kobei, Ogiek Peoples Development Program, Kenya
36. Dativa Kanzayire, Organisation des Femmes Autochtones pour la Lutte contre la Violence (OFALV ), Rwanda
37. Debbie Stothard, ALTSEAN-Burma, Myanmar
38. Dharmodip Basumatary, Platform for Asia Indigenous Peoples' Territorial Rights, Thailand
39. Diel Mochire Mwenge, PIDP, Democratic Republic of the Congo
40. Dilip Chakma, Indigenous Rights Advocacy Centre, India
41. Dora Ávila, Comaletzin A C., Mexico
42. Dorothy Cheruto Marindany, Ogiek Peoples' Development Program, Kenya
43. Durga Mani Rai, Lawyers’ Association for Human Rights of Nepalese Indigenous Peoples (LAHURNIP), Nepal
44. Edgardo Benítez, Instituto para el Futuro Común Amerindio IFCA, Honduras
45. Edwin Guá, Noticiero Maya Kat, journalist, Guatemala
46. Eleanor Bangoa, Asia Indigenous Women’s Network (AIWN), Philippines
47. Elie Chansa, Right Energy Partnership with Indigenous Peoples, Tanzania
48. Eliseo Gallardo Ponare, Pueblo Indígena SIKUANI, Colombia
49. Eloisa Mesina, Kabataan para sa Tribung Pilipino (KATRIBU), Philippines
50. Emma Santiago, Colectivo Bibani Baadu, Mexico
51. Ephin Falyao, SIKLAB Philippine Indigenous Youth Network, Philippines
52. Erniliana Erniliana, Dayakologi Center, Indonesia
53. Fabiola García, Centro para la Acción Legal en Derechos Humanos -CALDH, Guatemala
54. Fatrisia Fatrisia, JARINGAN JAGA DECA, Indonesia
55. Faustino Martinez Perez, Frente de resistencia indígena juxtlahuaca, Mexico
56. Florina Lopez, Red de Mujeres Indígenas sobre Biodiversidad de América Latina y el Caribe, Panama
57. Fran Lambrick, Not1More, United Kingdom
58. Francine Barcelon, Kabataan Para Sa Tribung Pilipino - Polytechnic University of the Philippines (KATRIBU PUP), Philippines
59. Funa-ay Claver, Katribu Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas, Philippines
60. Gabriel Tripura, KOTHOWAIN (Vulnerable Peoples Development Organization) Bandarban Hill Tract, Bangladesh
61. Gabriela Carino, Partners for Indigenous Knowledge Philippines, Philippines
62. Gabriella Sakina, Young Indigenous Leaders for Nature and Climate - YILNAC Network, Democratic Republic of the Congo
63. Gelo de Guzman, Kabataan para sa Tribung Pilipino - UP Diliman, Philippines
64. Genilda Rodrigues, Associação de mulheres originárias da terra indígena Apucaraninha, Brazil
65. Geoffry Ariong, Turkana Indigenous People Action for Development (TIPD), Kenya
66. Gideon Mawenge, The Marginalised Mirror, Namibia
67. Giring Giring, Dayakologi Center, Indonesia
68. Gloria Zihali, Alliance Nationale d’Appuis et de Promotion des Aires du Patrimoine Autochtone et Communautaire, Democratic Republic of theCongo
69. Gwendolyn Gaongen, Radyo Sagada, Philippines
70. Hawe Hamman, African Indigenous Women Organisation Central African Network, Cameroon
71. Helen Magata, Tebtebba, Philippines
72. Huguette Rusabika, Focus Droits et Accès, Democratic Republic of the Congo
73. Indira Luis Aquino, Grupo de Mujeres 8 de Marzo, Mexico
74. Indira Shreesh, Indigenous Women Legal Awareness Group(INWOLAG), Nepal
75. Ivan Brehaut, Asociación ProPurus, Peru
76. Ivette González, Proyecto sobre Organización, Desarrollo, Educación e Investigación (PODER), Mexico
77. Jackline Lekiale, Samburu Women Trust, Kenya
78. Jade Vignial, Protection International, Belgium
79. Janneth Taimal, As. Mujeres cumbaleñas tejedoras de sueños y saberes, Colombia
80. Jean Claude Kalinganire, ADBR: Association pour le Développement Global des Batwa au Rwanda, Rwanda
81. Jean Claude Kalinganire, Alliance des Peuples Autochtones et Locales en Afrique Centrale (APALAC COALITION), Netherlands
82. Jeandair Benedicto, Kabataan Para sa Tribung Pilipino - UP Manila, Philippines
83. Jebra Ram Muchahary, Indian Confederation Of Indigenous And Tribal Peoples North East Zone, India
84. Jessica Vega Ortega, Tani Tundavii Dikuintii, Mexico
85. Jill Cariño, Partners for Indigenous Knowledge Philippines, Philippines
86. Jillie Basan, Inagkodi, Philippines
87. Jillie Karl, Philippine ICCA Consortium, Philippines
88. Jimmy Ginting, Terranusa Indonesia, Indonesia
89. John Paul Bai, Sierra Leone Land Alliance, Sierra Leone
90. Johnson Jament, AIPNEE, India
91. Jorge Andrés Forero González, Plataforma Continental Somos Abya Yala, Colombia
92. José Juan Sibaja Martinez, Colectivo Guendaracane, Mexico
93. José Raúl Cortez Vásquez, Coordinador del Area de los Pueblos Originarios RED ONGs América Latina, El Salvador
94. Josefina Valencia Toledano, Memoria y Acción Lésbica, Mexico
95. Joseph Balumisa, Alliance nationale d'appuie et de promotion des aires du patrimoine autochtones et communautaire en RDC.ANAPAC,Democratic Republic of the Congo
96. Julio Ferreira, Centro Juventude Covalima, Timor-Leste
97. Justo Samar, Pangataman Bikol, Philippines
98. Kajkoj Maximo Ba Tiul, Centro de Reflexiones Nim Poqom, Guatemala
99. Kalpana Bhattachan, National Indigenous Women's federation, Nepal
100. Katribu Pup, Kabataan Para Sa Tribung Pilipino - Polytechnic University of the Philippines (KATRIBU PUP), Philippines
101. Ke Jung, Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact, Thailand
102. Khesheli Chishi, Network of Indigenous Women in Asia, India
103. Kihon Kihon, CU G-FPPK, Indonesia
104. Kim Falyao, Siklab Philippine Indigenous Youth Network, Philippines
105. Kinja Tauli, Partners for Indigenous Knowledge Philippines, Philippines
106. KR Abalos, Panaghiusa Philippine Network to Uphold Indigenous Peoples' Rights, Philippines
107. Kristine Yakhama, Mothers First, Kenya
108. Laura Alejandra Parra Parra, CNTI, Colombia
109. Leo VanderVlist, Netherlands Center for Indigenous Peoples, Netherlands
110. Lia Mai Torres, Asia Pacific Network of Environmental Defenders, Philippines
111. Lola García-Alix, International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs, Denmark
112. Lorang Yun, Ndrang Kon Nuyh(NKN), Language-Basted Network of Bunong, Stieng, Mhoeun, Kroal), Cambodia
113. Loreen Awuor, SHAPE CBO, Kenya
114. Luchie Maranan, Pawanka Fund, Philippines
115. Maegan Naogsan, Asia Indigenous Peoples Network on Extractive Industries and Energy (AIPNEE), Philippines
116. Maleya Foundation, Bangladesh
117. Mambu Alpha Sannoh, Friends of the Earth Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone
118. International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), in the framework of the Observatory for the Protection of Human RightsDefenders, France
119. Maria del Carmen Ramos Perez, Tlalij, yolojtli uan nemililistlij, Mexico
120. María Luz Figueroa Ramón, Centro para los Derechos de la Mujer Naaxwiin, Mexico
121. World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), in the framework of the Observatory for the Protection of Human RightsDefenders, Switzerland
122. Marije Douma, Hogeschool Utrecht, Netherlands
123. Markush Basumatary, United Tribal Organization of Assam ( UTOA), India
124. Marta Esber, Fondo Socioambiental Plurales, Argentina
125. Martha Patty, AMAN Maluku, Indonesia
126. Mary Ger, Mumbo International, Kenya
127. Maslah Rompado, Pertubuhan Wanita Orang Asal Malaysia (PWOAM), Malaysia
128. Maty Dominong, Asia Indigenous Peoples Network Extractive Industries and Energy, Philippines
129. Maureen Loste, Indigenous Women's Network, Philippines - Bai, Philippines
130. Maurice Ouma Odhiambo, Jamaa Resource Initiatives, Kenya
131. Mayalmit Lepcha, Sikkim indigenous Lepcha tribal association, India
132. Mega Ayu Lestari, AMAN - Mata Nusantara, Indonesia
133. Megumi Kamiya, Action Ryukyu Okinawa Achieve Gender Equality, Japan
134. Merel van der Mark, Rainforest Action Network, Netherlands
135. Mirta Pereira, Federación por la autodeterminación de los pueblos indígenas (FAPI), Paraguay
136. Naomi Kipuri, Indigenous Peoples Rights International, Kenya
137. Nedlloyd Tuguinay, Cordillera Peoples Alliance, Philippines
138. Nicholas Barla, Indigenous Peoples Forum, Odisha, India
139. Nicolas Avellaneda, Plataforma de defensores y defensoras de la Tierra - ILC, Argentina
140. Nidia Arrobo, Fundacion Pueblo Indio del Ecuador, Ecuador
141. Nitza Segui, Latinas en Poder, United States Minor Outlying Islands
142. Novelyne Pel-ey, Indigenous Peoples Rights International, Philippines
143. Nukila Evanty, Inisiasi Masyarakat Adat (IMA), Indonesia
144. Pallab Chakma, Kapaeeng Foundation, Bangladesh
145. Pascalina Nellan, Association Chagossiens de France, United Kingdom
146. Pastor Carvajal Blanco, Consejo de justicia comunidad Seque jahuira, Bolivia
147. Patrick Mukanga, CTA, Democratic Republic of the Congo
148. Pavel Sulyandziga, Batani Foundation, Russia
149. Penina Koilel, Sotua Ang Community Based Organization, Kenya
150. Prabindra Shakya, Asia Indigenous Peoples Network on Extractive Industries and Energy (AIPNEE), Philippines
151. Pranab Doley, Indigenous Political Activist, India
152. Pranisha Shakya, Community Empowerment and Social Justice Network (CEMSOJ), Nepal
153. Prince Fataki, Réseau pour la Sécurité et la Souveraineté Alimentaire en RD Congo - RESSAC, Democratic Republic of the Congo
154. Rashmila Prajapati, Women Empowerment Nepal, Nepal
155. Regina Yudititasari, Dayakologi Center, Indonesia
156. Rigan Chakma, Fulda University of Applied Sciences, Germany
157. Rigoberto Juárez Mateo, Gobierno Ancestal Plurinacional de las Naciones Ancestrales Maya Akateka, Maya Chuj, Maya Q'anjob'al, MayaPopti, Guatemala
158. Rikki Mae Gono, Panaghiusa Philippine Network to Uphold Indigenous Peoples' Rights, Philippines
159. Ro'otsitsina Juruna, Xavante, Brazil
160. Robby Romero, Native Children's Survival, United States
161. Robie Halip, Right Energy Partnership with Indigenous Peoples (REP), Philippines
162. Rogelia Gonzalez, Grupo de Mujeres 8 de Marzo, Mexico
163. Rosalee Gonzalez, Continental Network of Indigenous Women of the Americas, United States
164. Roselia Gutierrez, Red Interinstitucional, Mexico
165. Rubicelia Cayetano Pesado, Casa de la Mujer Indígena Nääxwiin, Mexico
166. SAKDA SAENMI, Network of indigenous Peoples in Thailand (NIPT), Thailand
167. Samuel Cauper Pinedo, Indigenous Center Association for Sustainable Development - CINDES, Peru
168. Samuel Whesley, Bunyala Agri climate impact solutions, Kenya
169. Saw Eh Khu Dah, POINT(Promotion of Indigenous and Nature Together), Myanmar
170. Sebastián Benfeld, Escazú Ahora Chile, Chile
171. Shankar Limbu, Lawyers Association for Human Rights Nepalese Indigenous Peoples, Nepal
172. Shapiom Noningo, GTANW, Peru
173. Sharanya Nayak, Community Network Against Protected Areas, India
174. Sindh HRD Network, Pakistan
175. Souad Mahmoud, Coordination Feministe pour la Souveraineté Alimentaire CFSA, Tunisia
176. Susana Mejia, Yolpakilis A.C., Mexico
177. Sven-Erik Soosaar, Fenno-Ugria, Estonia
178. Syamsul Alam Agus, Perhimpunan Pembela Masyarakat Adat Nusantara (PPMAN) - Indigenous People’s Rights Advocates Association, Indonesia
179. Tabitha Trumy, Indigenous Women's Forum of North East India, India
180. Tehersiana Duyung, Dayakologi Center, Indonesia
181. Tono Tono, AMAN Kalimantan Barat, Indonesia
182. Tony Leleruk, IMPACT - KENYA, Kenya
183. Trésor Badisungu, Climate Change Africa Opportunities (CCAO), Democratic Republic of the Congo
184. Trifonia Erny, Bela Banua Talino Association, Indonesia
185. Tyrone Edward Beyer, Asia Indigenous Peoples Network on Extractive Industries and Energy, Philippines
186. Véronique Bulaya, Pilier aux Femmes Vulnérables Actives - PIFEVA, Democratic Republic of the Congo
187. Virginia Dammay, INNABUYOG-Alliance of grassroots indigenous women in the Cordillera, Philippines
188. Vivian Mantias, IPRI, Philippines
189. Wen Di Sia, Gerimis Art, Malaysia
190. Windel Bolinget, Cordillera Peoples Alliance, Philippines
191. Yuanina Maria, Centre for Minority Rights Development, Kenya
192. Yun Mane, CIPO, Cambodia
193. Yvonne Underhill-Sem, Private scholar, Cook Islands
194. Zulema Burneo, ILC LAC, Peru
195. Alessandro Musetta, Italy
196. Alexandra Tomaselli, Italy
197. Andreas Bethmann, Germany
198. Armando de la Cruz Avila, Mexico
199. Aurora Meoni, Italy
200. Azon Paquito, Philippines
201. Beatriz Ramos, Mexico
202. Bineet Mundu, India
203. Camari Serau, Fiji
204. Camille Parguel, Sweden
205. Christina Sayson, Philippines
206. Cindy Kobei, Kenya
207. David Wessel, Canada
208. Elda Alvarado Dolores, Mexico
209. Fernando Márquez Duarte, Mexico
210. Helen Aldana, United States
211. Itzia Miravete, Mexico
212. Jami Tan changes, Bangladesh
213. Janet Arvizu, United States
214. Jessika Eichler, Germany
215. Juan Manuel Diaz de la Torre, Mexico
216. Juana Choxin, Guatemala
217. Loren Pearson, United States
218. Manjuni Chakma, Bangladesh
219. Mark van Boekel, Netherlands
220. Monserrat Corona Tapia, Mexico
221. Mrinal Tripura, Bangladesh
222. Nancy Kelsey, United States
223. Rachana Sam At, Cambodia
224. Radhika Goyal, India
225. Sargylana Atlasova, Russia
226. Sophie Lally, Mexico
227. Tania Pariona, Peru
228. Vanessa Peñaloza, Bolivia