UN Exposes Torture and Abuse in Mexico's Unregulated Addiction Centers

A UN team has warned of severe human rights abuses in Mexico's private addiction treatment centers. Over 400 of these facilities, known as 'anexos', were flagged for torture, forced labor, and systematic mistreatment. The findings come after a week-long inspection by the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture (SPT).

From January 25 to 30, the SPT delegation—led by Carmen Comas-Mata—visited prisons, police stations, psychiatric hospitals, and addiction centers across Mexico. They held private talks with detainees, staff, and government officials, including representatives from Mexico's National Prevention Mechanism.

The report highlights six states where abuses are most widespread: Baja California, Sinaloa, Chihuahua, Guerrero, Michoacán, and Guanajuato. Many 'anexos' operate without oversight, leaving residents vulnerable to exploitation and violence.

While the SPT recognised Mexico's legal progress, such as the 2017 General Law on Torture Prevention, it criticised persistent failures in investigations. Authorities were urged to tackle impunity and enforce stricter controls over these centers.

The SPT's findings underscore the urgent need for reform in Mexico's addiction treatment system. Without stronger oversight and accountability, the risk of abuse in these facilities remains high. The UN has called for immediate action to protect vulnerable individuals and ensure compliance with human rights standards.