The Edomex Congress defines the shortlist to preside over the CODHEM

The Congress of the State of Mexico has concluded the interview phase for candidates to chair the Human Rights Commission (CODHEM) and is preparing to select the final shortlist. The decision, which will be made in the plenary session, will determine who will lead the defense of human rights in the state for the next four years.

TOLUCA, EDOMEX.- The future of human rights defense in the State of Mexico is yet to be determined. The 62nd Legislature of the State of Mexico has taken a crucial step in the process of appointing the new head of the Human Rights Commission of the State of Mexico (CODHEM), having concluded interviews with candidates for the position.

Now, the Congressional Human Rights Commission, chaired by Representative Juana Bonilla Jaime, must analyze the profiles and formulate a shortlist. This shortlist will be presented to the legislative plenary session, where a two-thirds vote of the representatives will be required to make the appointment.

The election of the head of CODHEM is no minor matter. This autonomous body is the state's main counterweight to investigating and reporting abuses committed by state and municipal authorities against citizens. Its powers, established in its organic law, include:

• Investigate Complaints: Hear and investigate complaints of alleged human rights violations by any public servant.
• Issue Recommendations: Formulate public, non-binding recommendations, as well as complaints and claims to the respective authorities.
• Request Precautionary Measures: Ask the authorities to take urgent measures to prevent irreparable harm to people.
• Prevent Violence: Develop and implement programs to prevent human rights violations and serve vulnerable groups.

During the interviews, the legislators questioned the candidates about crucial issues that the next Mexican ombudsperson will have to face:

• Decentralization of Services: How to bring CODHEM closer to all municipalities and not concentrate its operations in the capital.
• Use of Resources: Strategies to efficiently apply your budget and maximize the impact of your actions.
• Investigation Efficiency: Plans to streamline investigations and provide prompt responses to victims.

Among the candidates interviewed are figures such as María José Bernal Ballesteros, Cristel Yunuen Pozas Serrano, and José Alberto Reyes, among others. The candidate selected should preferably have a law degree and proven experience in the field.

The person appointed by Congress will be sworn in for a four-year term, beginning August 21, 2025. In a state with enormous challenges in terms of security, justice, and gender violence, the selection of the new head of CODHEM is one of the most important decisions the current legislature will make, with a direct impact on the lives of millions of residents of the State of Mexico.