ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the complex, hostile and insecure environment in which human rights defenders operate in Mexico; an environment shaped by militarised public security strategies, organised crime, complicity between state and non-state actors in human rights violations and abuses, corruption and impunity. It assesses the government’s approach to protection, assessing the effectiveness of the Federal Mechanism for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders and Journalists (Mecanismo Federal para la Protección de Personas Defensoras de Derechos Humanos y Periodistas). It provides a critical analysis of the government’s approach to security, drawn from the perspectives of defenders benefiting from the Mechanism. It highlights distrust amongst human rights defenders towards the governmental institutions providing protection; the importance of protecting those close to defenders, as risk is experienced collectively; as well as the importance of understanding security multidimensionally. The chapter also focuses on civil society responses to the protection of defenders at risk, examining strategies for building legitimacy and political visibility aimed at creating safer environments and reducing attacks. It then explores how experiences of risk, security and protection are gendered and intersectional. Drawing upon the experiences of women human rights defenders, it highlights the issue of gender discrimination and marginalisation within human rights movements, and the importance of self and collective care as strategies for sustainable activism.
