### Concerns Over Forensic Cemetery in Tijuana Due to Limited Space
**Author: Ana Karen Ortiz**
**Date: September 23, 2024**
Although the construction of the forensic cemetery in Tijuana has reportedly been completed, several search collectives are expressing concerns over the adequacy of the facility due to limited space. Initially, it was announced that the cemetery would have 2,212 niches, but the first phase only includes 2,280. Funding and planning for the subsequent three phases, which would add 3,200, 3,584, and 3,130 spaces respectively, remain pending.
**Lack of Efficient Storage System**
Angélica Ramírez, coordinator of the collective ‘Una Nación BuscandoT,’ highlighted that a more efficient body storage system is crucial. During Jaime Bonilla’s administration, a project was proposed to dehydrate bodies, reducing their size to occupy less space, thereby making it feasible to reuse the niches. Ramírez explained that the previous project included a ventilation system to expedite body dehydration within two months. Without this system, the current niches could be filled by December next year, rendering this first phase inadequate. She expressed doubts about the commencement of the second and third phases by January, questioning where unclaimed bodies would be stored if not in common graves.
**Annual Usage and Space Issues**
Tijuana sees around 1,000 unclaimed bodies buried annually in common graves. Only 1,280 spaces are available in the new facility, with no funding for future phases. The storage system currently requires placing one body per niche and waiting between five to seven years for the body to degrade sufficiently to be moved to an osteotheque, which has 2,560 spaces, to free up niches for reuse. These conditions could lead to rapid occupancy of niches and a return to the use of common graves for storing unclaimed bodies.
**Authorities’ Perspective**
In an interview, César Raúl González Vaca, the state director of the Forensic Medical Service of Baja California (SEMEFO), acknowledged the space issues. He mentioned discussions with the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Urban Development, and Territorial Reorganization (Sidurt) to begin constructing the second phase as soon as the current center becomes operational, though no opening date has been set. However, Sidurt indicated that the available five million pesos will be allocated to complementary works such as sidewalks, perimeter fences, access improvements, and parking—none of which will be used to expand the available spaces. Thus, the timing for completing the remaining phases remains uncertain.
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### Another Emerging Issue: Forensic Mass Graves in Baja California Highlight Structural and Management Flaws
Continued investigations reveal that besides Tijuana, other regions in Baja California are experiencing similar challenges with forensic cemetery management. Reports indicate that efforts to handle and dignify unclaimed bodies effectively are hampered by budget constraints and bureaucratic hurdles.
**Budget Shortfalls and Bureaucratic Delays**
In Mexicali and Ensenada, forensic cemeteries are grappling with budget shortfalls that stall planned expansions. Officials are pressed to make do with outdated facilities and insufficient fuel and maintenance funds for necessary equipment, delaying the construction of new niches and storage solutions.
**Advocates Calling for Systemic Changes**
Human rights advocates and organizations are urging the government to prioritize reforms in forensic services. They stress the necessity of streamlined funding channels, advanced body preservation technologies, and robust training programs for forensic personnel. Advocates also emphasize the importance of treating unclaimed bodies with respect and dignity to meet international human rights standards.
By addressing these structural and management flaws, authorities can better equip forensic services to handle the growing number of unclaimed bodies and provide closure for grieving families, ensuring that every individual receives a dignified resting place.