Amnesty International USA
Press Release Contact: Suzanne Trimel, 212-633-4150

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Human Rights Provisions in Final Merida Initiative Authorization Must Now Become a Reality, Says Amnesty International

(Washington) -- Amnesty International today welcomed human rights protections in Congress' final version of the aid package to fight drug cartels in Mexico and Central America, saying the final bill is an important first step to prevent military and police abuses, including torture. The human rights organization warned that implementation will depend on the commitment by Mexican, Central American and U.S. authorities. The first block of funding for the so-called Merida Initiative was signed into law by President Bush on Monday.

"The human rights mandate of the Merida Initiative is clear. Now that Congress has included human rights conditions in the Merida Initiative, the key will be making sure that they are fully implemented," said Renata Rendón, advocacy director for the Americas at Amnesty International USA. "These provisions can help ensure that human rights are respected in the fight against drug trafficking. The United States, Mexico and Central America must work together to ensure that the human rights measures are fully implemented in accordance with international law."

The final legislation requires that 15 percent of the total funds for the Mexican military and police forces may be made available only after the U.S. Secretary of State reports in writing to Congress that the following conditions have been met:

Civilian prosecutors and judicial authorities are investigating and prosecuting, in accordance with Mexican and international law, members of the federal police and military forces who violate human rights, and the police and military are fully cooperating with the investigations.

Testimony obtained through torture or other ill-treatment is not used in the justice system.

Mexican human rights and civil society organizations are being regularly consulted by Mexican government authorities to make recommendations concerning the implementation of the Merida Initiative in accordance with Mexican and international law.

Police accountability and transparency is improving, including through the establishment of independent police complaints commissions.

“The Secretary of State must report that the conditions are being met by the Mexican government, in order for the funds to be released,” said Rendón.

The report accompanying the bill also expresses the concern of the U.S. Congress with the failure in Mexico to investigate and prosecute police officers responsible for human rights violations, including rape and sexual violence against women in San Salvador Atenco in May 2006, and in Oaxaca between June and December, 2006.

From the beginning of the appropriations process the House and Senate expressed concern over the flawed investigation into the killing of US journalist Bradley Roland Will in October 2006. The report directs the Secretary of State to submit a report to the Congress detailing progress in conducting a thorough, credible, and transparent investigation to identify the perpetrators of the killing of Brad Will and to bring them to justice.

For more information, please visit: www.amnestyusa.org/mexico

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