### Conflict Ends at Baja California Sur Human Rights Commission
The prolonged conflict at the Baja California Sur State Human Rights Commission (CEDHBCS) has finally come to an end, as the commission’s head, Charlene Ramos Hernández, has called for the removal of the involved advisors. The standoff began on January 8, 2024, when a group of former staff members and advisors occupied the CEDHBCS offices, citing alleged workplace harassment by Ramos Hernández.
Eight months later, a judge ruled in favor of Ramos Hernández, stating that the occupation was illegal and ordering the immediate return of the offices to CEDHBCS. This decision followed a determination by the Labor Court that no legitimate strike had taken place.
“There was no strike or work stoppage; there was an illegal occupation of the facilities,” stated Ramos Hernández in an interview. She emphasized that the blockade was a strategic move by the advisors to gain control of the commission, affecting the rights of the citizens whose complaints and human rights violations were pending investigation.
Accompanied by Public Security officers, Ramos Hernández entered the facilities to assess their condition and begin the process of reinstating the commission’s functions. She has also filed multiple complaints since January, including charges of threats, aggravated unlawful dispossession of public institution facilities, and impersonation of public officials.
The order to restore the offices came as a result of the ongoing investigations by the Baja California Sur Attorney General’s Office (PGJEBCS). “What happened was a series of evidently criminal acts that harmed both the commission’s staff and the victims seeking our intervention,” Ramos Hernández explained.
On June 24, 2024, Ramos Hernández formally requested the removal of the four advisors who led the illegal occupation. The request was directed to the President of the Board of Directors of the XVI Legislature, María Luisa Trejo Piñuelas. She demanded the designation of new advisors who could serve without conflicts of interest or violent attempts to seize power.
Ramos Hernández cited advisors Alejandro Maldonado, Rosa María Verdugo, María Elena Fong, and Enrique Arturo Mayorquín as those responsible for severe violations of the CEDHBCS law. In May 2024, these advisors falsely claimed to have the authority to remove Ramos Hernández from her position and declared themselves interim presidents, even though such power resides exclusively with the state congress.
Furthermore, they were accused of planting illegal substances in Ramos Hernández’s office to discredit her and force her resignation. This incident led to another complaint filed by Ramos Hernández against the advisors for tampering with evidence.
Attempts to interview the advisors involved revealed a muted response. Alejandro Maldonado declined to comment, citing lack of direct accusation, while Rosa María Verdugo mentioned she would consult the other implicated advisors. Enrique Arturo Mayorquín did not respond by the publication’s deadline.
### Related News: Human Rights Dispute in Baja California
In a related development, Baja California’s human rights organizations are also grappling with internal and external challenges. Recent investigations revealed numerous allegations of workplace misconduct and political interference in the state’s human rights entities. These revelations come amidst ongoing public protests demanding greater transparency and accountability within these organizations.
Such conflicts underscore the systemic issues facing human rights commissions across the region. Citizens and activists continue to call for significant reforms to ensure these bodies can operate independently and effectively defend human rights.
Experts urge the establishment of rigorous oversight mechanisms and the appointment of unbiased, competent officials to restore faith in these institutions. The BajCal Human Rights Coalition has suggested a comprehensive review of all state human rights commissions to address these endemic problems and propose long-term solutions.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story on TJGringo.com.