“State 63: Traces of Justice” reflects the restorative process of a nation-state like ours: recognizing serious human rights violations and repairing the harm committed by it, with the ultimate intention of achieving justice.

In the absence of an axiomatic formula, a comprehensive reparation scheme must be developed out of moral obligation and conviction, as established in Article 63 of the American Convention on Human Rights. Such a scheme must be far-reaching, both individually and collectively, taking as its starting point the acknowledgment of responsibility and aspiring toward policies that contribute to the reconstruction of the social fabric, so that their effect does not dissipate in limited—or, in the worst case, merely symbolic—actions.

Under this restorative—indeed reformative—logic, there will be greater and better opportunities to achieve justice.

Indeed, Mexico has the constitutional and conventional obligation to follow through on and ensure the guarantee of human rights. 

The documentary photographs of “State 63” refer to the more than 400 cases involving Mexico before international human rights bodies, serving as a reminder that, despite the progress that has been made, the road ahead remains long.