International
Despite homicide drop, overall deadly violence remains high in Mexico: study
Violence in Mexico has risen by 70% over the past decade when not only intentional homicides but also femicides, disappearances and other crimes against life are taken into account, the organization México Evalúa said Monday as it presented a report challenging the government’s narrative of a significant drop in crime.
The document, titled “Violence in Mexico, 2015–2025: Data Analysis and Proposals for Peace,” was introduced by México Evalúa’s executive director, Mariana Campos. She explained that the study incorporates five key indicators of “lethal violence”: intentional homicide, negligent homicide, femicide, disappearances and other crimes against life. “How a problem is measured determines how it is addressed,” Campos said, adding that the aim of the report is not to dismiss the federal government’s strategy but to offer a broader view of violent phenomena.
According to the report, more than 72,000 incidents related to lethal violence were recorded in 2025, an increase of 68.2% compared with 2015. While official figures point to a 40% drop in intentional homicides since September 2024 — when Claudia Sheinbaum took office — the organization’s analysis suggests the overall reduction across all indicators is only about 8%.
Armando Vargas, coordinator of México Evalúa’s security program, said the study seeks to make visible all forms of deadly violence. “Although intentional homicide shows a recent decline, other crimes remain high and in some cases are even increasing,” he warned.
In detail, the report says intentional homicides have fallen 22.2% since 2024 but remain 30.7% above 2015 levels. By contrast, negligent homicide — usually linked to accidents — has increased 7.7% since 2015 and shows “anomalous growth” that could reflect problems in the classification of violent deaths.
The category of “other crimes against life,” which includes incidents that are difficult to classify, has surged 370% over the past decade, with particularly sharp increases in states such as Baja California Sur (6,606%), Baja California (916%), Tabasco (694%) and Sinaloa (88%). According to Vargas, these figures may point to “statistical reclassifications” rather than a real decline in violence.
Femicide has dropped 15.5% since 2024 but still stands 68.5% above 2015 levels, especially in areas marked by impunity and the presence of organized crime, such as Sinaloa and Morelos.
As for disappearances, the report underscores their relevance as a method of concealing crimes. Although the figure has edged down 0.5% since 2024, the increase since 2015 amounts to 213%, with critical hotspots in Sinaloa (150%), Sonora (168%) and Baja California (5,728%).
International
UN warns Venezuela earthquakes could affect up to 6.76 million people
Up to 6.76 million people could be affected by the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, according to an assessment released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), a United Nations agency.
The organization said the projections are based on available population data and damage assessments, and include up to two million people living in Caracas, the country’s capital.
The estimates highlight the potentially massive humanitarian impact of the disaster, the IOM warned.
Entire buildings collapsed in La Guaira, a coastal area north of Caracas, following the powerful twin earthquakes that reached magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 on Wednesday.
The national death toll has risen to 920, while rescue teams continue searching for people trapped beneath the rubble in coastal regions and other affected areas.
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher told AFP on Friday that more than 50,000 people were reported missing.
The IOM also revealed that it worked with Microsoft’s artificial intelligence laboratory on an initial satellite mapping analysis, which showed that 31.5% of buildings in the town of Catia La Mar had suffered damage.
Authorities and international rescue teams continue operations as Venezuela faces one of its largest humanitarian emergencies in recent years.
International
United Nations Coordinates Relief Efforts as Venezuela Death Toll Rises After Twin Quakes
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday expressed his condolences to the people of Venezuela following the two devastating earthquakes that struck the country and highlighted the ongoing coordination between UN humanitarian teams and interim President Delcy Rodríguez.
Speaking during the UN’s daily press briefing, spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said Guterres was deeply saddened by the loss of life and widespread destruction caused by the disaster.
“The Secretary-General is deeply distressed by the loss of life and the widespread devastation caused by the earthquakes that struck Venezuela yesterday. He extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured,” Dujarric stated.
Venezuela was struck on Wednesday by two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude. According to official figures, the disaster has left at least 164 people dead and 971 others injured.
Dujarric noted that preliminary reports indicate significant damage across several states, including the capital, Caracas. Numerous casualties have been reported, while other individuals remain trapped beneath collapsed structures or are still missing.
“Critical infrastructure has been damaged and essential services have been disrupted,” the spokesperson said.
The United Nations confirmed that its humanitarian team remains in close contact with interim President Delcy Rodríguez and other relevant authorities as emergency operations continue.
To support relief efforts, the UN has established a coordination center in Caracas and is assisting local authorities to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches affected communities as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Guterres also welcomed the expressions of solidarity and offers of assistance from countries around the world that responded following news of the disaster, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in addressing the humanitarian emergency.
International
OAS Secretary General Pledges Regional Assistance Following Venezuela Quake Disaster
The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Albert Ramdin, said on Thursday that the “hemispheric community” stands ready to provide “full support” to Venezuela and its people following the powerful earthquakes that struck the country overnight, leaving at least 164 people dead and nearly 1,000 injured.
Speaking at the conclusion of the OAS General Assembly, Ramdin expressed solidarity not only with Venezuela but also with Colombia, Curaçao and Aruba, where the tremors were also felt.
“Above all, our thoughts are with these peoples,” he said during his remarks.
Ramdin noted that while many details about the disaster are still emerging, countries across the hemisphere are prepared to assist Venezuela as it responds to the crisis.
“Much remains unknown at this stage, but the hemispheric community will be ready to support the people of Venezuela during this very difficult time,” he stated, reiterating the organization’s commitment to helping those affected.
According to updated information released by the Venezuelan government, the powerful earthquakes have been followed by at least 30 aftershocks. Authorities have also reported extensive structural damage, including numerous building collapses in La Guaira, the area considered hardest hit by the disaster.
Rescue efforts are currently focused on La Guaira, where emergency teams continue searching for survivors trapped beneath the rubble as officials assess the full extent of the damage.
UN warns Venezuela earthquakes could affect up to 6.76 million people
United Nations Coordinates Relief Efforts as Venezuela Death Toll Rises After Twin Quakes
OAS Secretary General Pledges Regional Assistance Following Venezuela Quake Disaster
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