Mexico Human Rights
Human Rights Concerns
Human rights concerns persist, particularly at the state level where violence surrounds local elections and misuse of the judicial system is common. Federal efforts to combat violence against women in the border town of Ciudad Juárez have continued with limited success. A number of human rights defenders have been threatened and at least three journalists have been killed despite proposed legislation to strengthen human rights protection in the Constitution.
Mexico and the Merida Initiative: Make Human Rights the Core
The U.S. Congress is currently deliberating the “Merida Initiative,” a 3-year regional security cooperation initiative to combat organized crime and drug trafficking in Mexico and Central America proposed by President Bush in October 2007. If passed, the first proposed installment would allocate US $500 million to Mexico in the budget for Fiscal Year 2008, and another US $450 million in Fiscal Year 2009. The majority of this money would go to the Mexican military, law enforcement agencies, and Attorney General’s Office in the form of aircraft, training, advanced communications for eavesdropping, and surveillance. More information»
Not only do the deaths of women tarnish the image of the Mexican city of Juárez, but also the disappearance of soldier Miguel Orlando Muñoz Guzmán demonstrates the flaw in the state of rights and justice in this region of Mexico. » More actions
Summer Solidarity Action for the Women of San Salvador Atenco
During protests by members of a local farmers organization in the town of San Salvador Atenco in May 2006, federal and local police arrested more than 45 women without explanation. At least 26 of the women reported being physically and sexually assaulted by the police. This summer, AIUSA activists can stand in solidarity with these women by sending them messages of support. Click here for more information.
Update: Calderón to visit U.S.
Mexican president Felipe Calderón made his first offical trip to the United States on February 10th, 2008. This trip comes at a time when two major issues of concern to Mexico and the United States are at play: immigration, and a proposed U.S. aid package to Mexico and Central America, known as the "Merida Initiative". Amnesty asks President Calderón to forcefully advocate with policy makers and civil society during his visit for human rights protections to be at the core of policy debates on both issues.
Read a letter from AIUSA executive director, Larry Cox to President Calderón:
English PDF | Español PDF
Read the press release» Español
Read an article from La Opinión, "Plan Mexico Divides Candidates" 01/12/08 English PDF | Español PDF
Latest News
Mexico must investigate torture of two peasant farmersOctober 28, 2009
Mexico: Mexico must not repatriate injured migrants
October 01, 2009
Mexico: Freedom for Indigenous Mexican woman wrongly imprisoned for three years
September 17, 2009
Mexico: Freedom for Indigenous woman wrongly imprisoned for three years on fabricated charges
September 17, 2009
Mexico: Amnesty International Welcomes Release of Mexican Prisoner of Conscience
September 17, 2009
World: Remembering the world's disappeared in 2009
August 28, 2009
Latest Reports
Mexico: Bárbara Italia Méndez [Global letter-writing marathon 2008]October 29, 2008
Mexico: Promoting indigenous rights in Mexico: Me' phaa Indigenous People's Organization
October 09, 2008
Mexico: Women's struggle for justice and safety: Violence in the family in Mexico
August 01, 2008
Mexico: Violence against women in the family in Mexico
August 01, 2008
