The Bill of Law to establish a National Mechanism for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders and Journalists in Mexico was approved in full by the Senate and passed to the Chamber of Deputies in the session today, Tuesday April 24th. PBI welcomes the decision and congratulates both the civil society organizations and the Senate of Mexico for the preparation of this bill. At the same time, organizations are urging the Chamber for its approval in the current legislature.

Mexico City.- On April 19 the photographic exhibition "Protect human rights defenders and journalists" opened in the Mexican Chamber of Deputies (San Lazaro), coordinated by Peace Brigades International (PBI) and Amnesty International (AI). The ceremony was hosted by representatives of promoting organizations of the Protection Mechanism bill for HRDs and Journalists in Mexico, which was passed by the Senate on April 17th.

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.