Amnesty International Criticizes Mexican Gov't Over Migrants' Rights EFE
go to original March 13, 2013

Amnesty International Mexico chapter representative Daniel Zapico and SMR-Scalambrinas: Mission for Migrants and Refugees representative Leticia Gutierrez speak during a press conference on Tuesday, March 12, 2013, in Mexico City. (EFE)

MEXICO CITY - President Enrique Peña Nieto's administration is not doing enough to address abuses of the rights of migrants, Amnesty International's Mexico chapter said.

"The number of irregular migrants passing through Mexico increased during 2012 and routine kidnappings, sexual violence, forced recruitment by organized crime, people trafficking and murders of migrants continue out of control," AI Mexico representative Daniel Zapico said in a press conference at Mexico City's Museum of Memory and Tolerance.

The human rights group did not present figures to support its allegations, but AI said it gathered evidence from workers at migrants' shelters across Mexico.

Amnesty International called on the Mexican government to show a greater commitment to protecting migrants' rights.

"Enrique Peña Nieto has not taken any measures up to now to correct the resounding failure of the previous administration to deal with this humanitarian crisis," Zapico said.

The AI representative also said human rights activists continued to be the targets of threats.

"The investigations of those behind" the threats "never" make progress, Zapico said.

An estimated 300,000 Central Americans undertake the hazardous journey across Mexico each year on their way to the United States.

The trek is a dangerous one, with criminals and corrupt Mexican officials preying on the migrants.

Gangs kidnap, exploit and murder migrants, who are often targeted in extortion schemes, Mexican officials say.

We invite you to add your charity or supporting organizations' news stories and coming events to PVAngels so we can share them with the world. Do it now!