From Victimization to Action: Collective Mobilization of Families of Disappeared Persons in Contemporary Mexico

The enforced disappearance is a major drama in the recent history of Mexico. Since 2006, the crime associated to narcotraffic exploded. Forced disappearance became one of the most disruptive outcomes of “war or drugs” initiated by government. It destroys families and communities, corrupt institutions and erodes democracy. The most important consequence of extreme violence is the atomization and demobilization of civil society. This presentation explores the efforts of families to find their relatives. I will present different paths to collective action followed by those families and their capacity to transform society and institutions. I will particularly follow “Brigades of Research” and their capacity of mobilize communities around enforced disappearance and the procuration of justice in Mexico.