Activist Demands Universal Accessibility at Quintana Roo Prosecutor’s Office in Chetumal

Activist Arnold Stivens outside the Quintana Roo State Prosecutor's Office building in Chetumal

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Activist Arnold Stivens has filed a new formal complaint with the Quintana Roo State Prosecutor’s Office, accusing the agency of failing to make its Chetumal headquarters accessible to people with disabilities more than two years after it committed in writing to do so.

Stivens addressed the document to State Prosecutor General Raciel López Salazar, recalling that in May 2024 the institution pledged to adapt the building. He said the premises still do not offer equal conditions for people with disabilities.

Ramps Alone Called Insufficient

Stivens argued that the prosecutor’s office has limited its efforts to installing ramps outside the building. A facility dedicated to law enforcement and the administration of justice, he said, must provide continuous accessible routes, tactile paving guides, Braille signage, and visual and auditory communication tools, along with staff trained in plain language and inclusive treatment.

The demands apply to anyone using the building — victims, defendants, practicing lawyers, and the agency’s own employees.

“Compliance with these measures is not a concession, but an obligation tied to the right of access to justice and human dignity,” Stivens said.

What the Complaint Requests

  • Internal movement: continuous accessible routes and tactile paving guides.
  • Signage and information: Braille plaques and visual and auditory orientation aids.
  • Legal communication: plain language and adapted formats for users and victims.
  • Public service: staff training to provide adequate and dignified treatment.

Legal Grounds

The complaint cites Article 1 of the Mexican Constitution, Articles 9 and 13 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities — which cover accessibility and access to justice — and Article 26 of the state law on the matter.

Stivens said he will keep pursuing institutional channels and public protest until the prosecutor’s office removes the architectural and communication barriers that prevent equal treatment.

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By Staff Desk

The Riviera Maya News & Events Staff Desk covers local events, cultural celebrations, community stories, and general news from across the Riviera Maya and Yucatán Peninsula. The Staff Desk produces timely coverage of festivals, municipal announcements, community initiatives, and stories that don't fall under a single specialist beat, ensuring that every corner of the region receives balanced attention.The Staff Desk draws from municipal calendars, event organizers, community submissions, and official announcements to keep English-speaking readers informed about what's happening in their communities — from charity events and school programs to local government services and cultural exhibitions.When individual bylines are not used, the Staff Desk attribution reflects collaborative reporting by the editorial team, with the same editorial standards, fact-checking, and translation review applied to every story.