Hello, dear colleagues!
This article is primarily written for law firms representing asylum applicants from
Mexico and other countries in
Latin America & the Caribbean, although it may also be useful for applicants themselves.
My name is Maxim Kharitonov, and I am the founder of
The Human Rights, an international agency of expert witnesses specializing in expert reports for asylum seekers worldwide (website: thehuman-rights.com).
We provide expert witness reports on human rights violations, political persecution, and asylum-related risks across key regions, including:
- Post-Soviet Region (CIS): Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Georgia.
- East Africa: Eritrea, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, Uganda.
- South & Central Asia: Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan.
- Middle East: Syria, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, Saudi Arabia.
- Western Balkans: Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Latin America & the Caribbean: Venezuela, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Cuba, Haiti, Colombia, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil.
- East Asia: China, North Korea, Mongolia, Vietnam, Myanmar.
In this article, I will explain how our team approaches the analysis of the situation in
Mexico and other
Latin America & Caribbean countries, highlight key issues related to human rights violations, and discuss why an expert witness report plays a crucial role in asylum cases.
What is an Expert Witness Report?
As you may know, an
expert witness report is an independent analytical document used to substantiate facts, justify risks, and assess the situation in the applicant’s country of origin.
Its purpose is to demonstrate that the applicant faces a real threat of persecution and cannot return to
Mexico or another
Latin America & Caribbean country due to the risks involved. The report serves as witness testimony in the asylum case, providing expert insight into the situation in the applicant’s country of origin.
Why is an Expert Witness Report Essential?
An expert witness report is crucial at every stage of the asylum process:
- At the application stage: It helps establish the applicant's personal risks and their connection to the general situation in Mexico or another Latin America & Caribbean country.
- At the appeal stage: If the application has been denied, the report can be used for a detailed analysis of the immigration authority’s decision, identifying errors, and providing additional evidence.
Key Functions of an Expert Witness Report
1.
Contextual AnalysisAn expert witness report confirms the broader situation in
Mexico and other
Latin America & Caribbean countries, including political instability, repression, and conflict, citing both international and local sources.
2.
Personal Risk AssessmentThe report demonstrates the connection between the applicant’s individual threats and the conditions in their country. Whether it’s due to their political views, ethnicity, religion, or gender, the report will explain why they are personally at risk in
Mexico or another
Latin America & Caribbean country.
3.
Strengthening the Evidence BaseAn expert witness report verifies that the applicant belongs to a vulnerable group facing persecution. Vulnerable groups can include ethnic or religious minorities, journalists, political activists, and women, particularly in countries like
Mexico, where these groups may face targeted violence.
4.
Support with Credible SourcesThe report references authoritative organizations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the United Nations, and others. All sources are formatted according to the
OSCOLA citation standard.
Country Expert Witness on
Mexico and
Latin America & Caribbean Countries
At
The Human Rights, we specialize in preparing expert witness reports for asylum applicants from
Mexico and other countries in the
Latin America & Caribbean region. Our reports are tailored to asylum cases in the
UK,
USA,
Canada, and the
EU, ensuring compliance with immigration law standards and expert witness requirements.
We provide in-depth analysis on the human rights situation in
Mexico and other
Latin America & Caribbean countries, addressing issues such as:
- Violence and Organized Crime: Mexico has been struggling with widespread violence related to drug cartels and organized crime groups. These groups are responsible for extortion, kidnapping, torture, and murder. Ordinary citizens, journalists, activists, and law enforcement officers are frequently targeted. Applicants from Mexico who are involved in activism, journalism, or government opposition may face severe violence or death threats.
- Political Corruption and Injustice: Mexico has a long history of political corruption, often linked to organized crime. People who expose corruption or who work against criminal groups may face violence, arrest, and even murder. The lack of access to fair trials and the weakness of the judicial system further contribute to the vulnerability of individuals in Mexico.
- Human Rights Violations and Disappearances: Forced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and arbitrary arrests are rampant in Mexico, particularly in regions controlled by criminal organizations. The Mexican government’s failure to protect its citizens and investigate these crimes has led to widespread fear and insecurity among the population.
- Gender-Based Violence: Women in Mexico face a high risk of gender-based violence, including domestic abuse, femicide, trafficking, and sexual violence. In rural areas, these crimes are often underreported, and victims have little access to justice, making women especially vulnerable to persecution.
- LGBTQ+ Rights: LGBTQ+ individuals in Mexico face discrimination, violence, and threats, especially in rural and conservative areas. While Mexico has made some legal strides toward LGBTQ+ rights, societal acceptance remains low, and violence against LGBTQ+ individuals is still common.
- Indigenous Rights: Mexico's indigenous populations often face discrimination, land dispossession, and violence. Indigenous individuals and communities that oppose land seizures or governmental policies may face persecution by both state and non-state actors, including criminal groups.
Why Choose Our Expert Witness Reports?
Collective Expertise & VerificationOur reports are prepared by regional country experts, researchers, and legal analysts, ensuring accuracy and depth. Every report undergoes fact-checking and validation by our senior experts before submission.
Court-Tested Reports & Expert TestimonyOur experts are available to testify in court, reinforcing the credibility of the asylum applicant’s case. We follow the highest standards of expert witness reporting, including OSCOLA citation formatting and references to leading human rights organizations (Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, UNHCR, etc.).
Customized Reports for Each CaseWe tailor each report to the specific applicant’s circumstances, linking their personal risks to the broader situation in their country of origin.
Strong Track Record of SuccessOur reports have played a key role in successful asylum applications and appeals, helping individuals prove their risk of persecution.