Human Rights Defender Miriam Elizabeth Rodríguez Martínez was murdered on 10 May (Mothers' Day) in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. Following the disappearance and murder of her daughter several years ago, Ms Rodríguez was actively engaged in supporting families of disappeared persons. Her assassination on Mother's Day is particularly shocking.

The murder of Ms Rodríguez Martínez adds to a worrying trend of recent assassinations, such as the killings of indigenous rights activists Juan Ontiveros and Isidro Baldenegro and five journalists since January this year. 

The EU expresses its condolences to the families of the victims.

Prompt, thorough and independent investigations into these killings need to be ensured in order to bring the perpetrators to justice. Authorities should also guarantee that all the necessary preventive measures are in place to ensure effective protection of human rights defenders and journalists.