April 19, 2012

Chamber of Deputies of the Mexican Republic
Senate of the Mexican Republic
Ministry of Interior of Mexico

International Human Rights Organisations welcome a historic opportunity to create a national protection mechanism for human rights defenders and journalists

Dear Senators and Deputies,
Dear Minister of the Interior,

17 APRIL 2012.

URGENT ACTION
HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS IN OAXACA AT RISK
FATHER UVI RECEIVES THREATS

The Regional Human Rights Centre "Bartolomé Carrasco Briseño" AC, the Diocesan Commission for Justice and Peace and the Citizens' Initiative Oaxaca denounce threats to the Father UVI, human rights defender in Oaxaca.

BACKGROUND:

Oaxaca, Oax.- In the last few weeks, Father Alejandro Solalinde has received an increased amount of threats. PBI Mexico expresses concern about the safety of the priest and human rights defender, who runs the Casa del Migrante Hermanos en el Camino, located in the City of Ixtepex (state of Oaxaca).

Human rights defender Alba Cruz receives new threats

Family Coache Rivera also threatened

Concern for their safety and physical integrity due to the new wave of threats

On March 20, Maximino García Catarino, leader of the Organisation for the Future of the Mixteco People (OFPM) and beneficiary of precautionary measures granted by the Inter-American Court on Human Rights was released from prison in Ayutla de los Libres (Guerrero). However, Amnesty International has expressed concern regarding the risks facing the activist just few days after being freed.

MEDIA RELEASE

March 21, 2012

While Mexican organizations protest in front of the Canadian Embassy Wednesday against the murder of an indigenous leader, Canadian NGOs call for a full investigation, respect for indigenous rights, and an end to corporate impunity.

Mexico, DF, on March 15, 2012.

Press Release

The initiative was presented before the full Senate after months of collaboration between civil society organizations and the Senate.

The Mechanism that this law creates seeks to guarantee and safeguard the lives, freedom and security of human rights advocates and those who practice journalism.

Mexico City:- Yesterday, March 13, 2012 a bill proposing the creation of a Protection Mechanism for Human Rights Defenders and Journalists was presented publicly in the Mexican Senate. The proposal has been endorsed by senators of all the parties in the House and takes into account most of the recommendations made by the Mexican civil society. The initiative responds to the serious situation of insecurity surrounding the defence of human rights and journalism, and it has also been supported by up to 170 organizations around the country.

Press Release
PBI Mexico