Fundamental rights of older women, vulnerated by forced disappearances in Colombia and Mexico: dilemmas and challenges

Abstract

The objective of this article is to present, from a critical perspective, an analysis of the fundamental rights of older women, violated by the forced disappearances committed in Colombia and Mexico against their relatives. This article argues which human rights have been violated (the right to life and freedom) in women, direct and indirect victims of armed conflicts and forced disappearances in Colombia and Mexico, and which constitute a crime against humanity. The legislation and international treaties are reviewed and updated data on the magnitude of this problem are presented. It is concluded that for the protection of the fundamental rights of the elderly in general and women in particular, it is necessary to articulate mechanisms to defend and enforce their rights in Latin America.

Keywords

• women
• older adults
• human rights
• enforced disappearances
• armed conflicts