UN: 'Mexico Must End Violent Attacks Against Tzotzil Community'

Armed troops attacking Mexico's Indigenous Tzotzil communities must be stopped, United Nations Human Rights High Commissioner (UN-DH) Jan Jarab said Friday.

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The rights commissioner reminded authorities of the fatal attack last April 2 in which three Tzotzil community members were killed, two of whom were under the age of 18.

"It is unacceptable for illegally armed groups to continue operating, and the death of these three Indigenous people as a result of this attack is lamentable," the UN representative said.

Jarab recalled that in February 145 families were forced from their homes in towns across the state of Chiapas, when the same group had invaded the Tabak, Koko, Cotsilnam and Xuxchen communities.

"The UN-DH reiterates the urgency of achieving a lasting solution that puts at the center the structural problems that have given rise to forced internal displacement, beginning with the resolution of the conflicts that make these communities in particular," the UN said in a statement.

Jarab urged Mexican authorities to protect its Indigenous communities, ensure their security and uphold justice for victims of violence.

Over 700 Indigenous people – primarily women, children and seniors – have been displaced out of fear of attacks in Chenalho, the UN-DH said.