The Senate reelected Rosario Piedra Ibarra as president of the CNDH for a second term, from 2024 to 2029, on Wednesday, November 13, despite being the worst-rated candidate in the shortlist and lacking support from any civil society organization. Based on previous evaluations, Piedra Ibarra, daughter of the late Rosario Ibarra, a Mexican activist and human rights defender, was the lowest-rated candidate among the shortlist that also included Nashieli Ramírez, current president of the Mexico City Human Rights Commission, and lawyer Paulina Hernández Diz.
Piedra Ibarra's reelection occurred amid criticism from the opposition and civil organizations, including Amnesty International, which have highlighted that Mexico is experiencing a human rights crisis with thousands of disappearances and victims of violence, where the leadership of the CNDH is crucial. Governor Claudia Sheinbaum defended Rosario Piedra and questioned the criticisms against her, emphasizing that the senators voted independently and not under orders from former president López Obrador.
The president rejected accusations that López Obrador influenced Rosario Piedra's reelection, stating that the former president is not interested in deciding who will lead the CNDH. Sheinbaum also criticized the lack of questioning of former presidents of the CNDH and pointed out unnecessary expenses that were incurred at the institution in previous times.
In her morning conference from the National Palace, Sheinbaum assured that the senators have the ability to decide for themselves and reiterated her respect for Rosario Piedra, head of the National Human Rights Commission. The governor asked to let López Obrador rest, as he is engaged in other activities since he handed over the presidency.
