There is greater government and public interest in human rights in Mexico today than a few years ago. However, there still are abuses like the use of torture and ill-treatment by law enforcement agencies, election-related fraud and violence, extrajudicial killings, limitations on the rights of workers, peasants and indigenous people, and attacks on journalists. The culture of impunity that has traditionally surrounded human rights violators still exists (Human Rights Watch Dec. 1992, 127; Amnesty International 1992, 207; Lawyers Committee July 1993, 250-257; Country Reports 1992 1993, 441). The Lawyers Committee for Human Rights attributes the present interest of the government in human rights to the country's debt crisis, which has made it difficult for the government to reward its followers and co-opt the opposition like it used to do (July 1993, 251). Another reason is the government's desire to avoid potential harm to the pending North American Free Trade (NAFTA) (Ibid.). Human Rights Watch states that Mexican police continue to violate the rights of Mexicans (Dec. 1992, 128). The same source cites several instances in which abuses have routinely occurred (Ibid.). As an example of partisan electoral violence, the same source states that in the Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD) stronghold of Michoacan, four party members were killed during the 1992 elections (Ibid.). The PRD claims that between July and October five party activists were killed in election-related incidents and the PRD deputy's house was fired on (Ibid.). The source also states that to talk about or insist on electoral fairness is to risk danger to oneself (Ibid.).

The Lawyers Committee's critique of the 1992 Country Reports also states that electoral fraud, disappearances, assassinations and other human rights violations have been directed at the PRD and its followers (July 1993, 250; Country Reports 1992 1993, 441-445). For more details on the above-mentioned information, please refer to the attachments.

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

References

Amnesty International. June 1993. "Mexico: The Persistence of Torture and Impunity." (AI Index: AMR 41/01/93). London: Amnesty International.

_____. 1992. Amnesty International Report 1993. New York: Amnesty International.

_____. 3 December 1992. "Mexico: Human Rights Record Criticised by UN Committee Against Torture." (Weekly Update NWS 11/48/92).

The Christian Science Monitor [Boston]. 8 March 1993. "Mexico: Much Press, Little Freedom." (NEXIS)

Country Reports on Human Rights for 1992. 1993. US Department of State. Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office.

The Economist [London]. 19 February 1993. "Primitive Politics." (NEXIS)

Human Rights Watch. December 1992. Human Rights Watch World Report 1992. New York: Human Rights Watch.

Lawyers Committee for Human Rights. July 1993. Critique: Review of the U.S. Department of State's Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1992. New York: Lawyers Committee for Human Rights.

Reuters. 9 August 1993. BC Cycle. "Former Mexican Congressman Denounces Rights Abuses." (NEXIS)

_____. 18 November 1992. "Mexican Journalist Death Sparks Free Speech Debate." (NEXIS)

The Toronto Star. 13 March 1993. "Trading on Human Rights Mexican Partners Put Little Value on Political Freedom." (NEXIS)

United Press International (UPI). 17 July 1993. BC Cycle. "Mexican Union Leader Killed." (NEXIS)

Attachments

Amnesty International. June 1993. "Mexico: The Persistence of Torture and Impunity." (AI Index: AMR 41/01/93). London: Amnesty International.

_____. 1992. Amnesty International Report 1993. New York: Amnesty International.

_____. 3 December 1992. "Mexico: Human Rights Record Criticised by UN Committee Against Torture." (Weekly Update NWS 11/48/92). The Christian Science Monitor [Boston]. 8 March 1993. "Mexico: Much Press, Little Freedom." (NEXIS)

Country Reports on Human Rights for 1992. 1993. US Department of State. Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office.

The Economist [London]. 19 February 1993. "Primitive Politics." (NEXIS)

Human Rights Watch. December 1992. Human Rights Watch World Report 1992. New York: Human Rights Watch.

Lawyers Committee for Human Rights. July 1993. Critique: Review of the U.S. Department of State's Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1992. New York: Lawyers Committee for Human Rights.

Reuters. 9 August 1993. BC Cycle. "Former Mexican Congressman Denounces Rights Abuses." (NEXIS)

_____. 18 November 1992. "Mexican Journalist Death Sparks Free Speech Debate." (NEXIS)

The Toronto Star. 13 March 1993. "Trading on Human Rights Mexican Partners Put Little Value on Political Freedom." (NEXIS)

United Press International (UPI). 17 July 1993. BC Cycle. "Mexican Union Leader Killed." (NEXIS)