No mention of an organization known as the Asociación Mendocina de Actividades de Capacitados (AMAC) could be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate. However, in a 9 March 2001 interview, a representative of the Coordinating Unit for Disability Programming (Unidad Coordinadora de Programas de Discapacidad) of the Ministry of Social Development and Health (Ministerio de Desarrollo Social y Salud) stated that the Mendoza Association for Disabled People's Activities (Asociación Mendocina de Actividades de Discapacitados, AMAD) was formerly located at Calle Rioja 1560, Mendoza, but has since moved to Montecaseros 2618, Mendoza. According to the representative, the president of AMAD is Eduardo Sánchez (ibid.).

The Association to Assist Abandoned Children (Asociación de Asistencia a la Niñez Desamparada, ADAND) is a home for orphaned or abandoned children located in Buenos Aires' Belgrano district (La Nación 19 June 2000; Clarín 22 Aug. 1999; Revista Tigris Jan. 2001). The Association was founded in 1963 by Petrona Fernández Bentos; its current president is Gloria de Fiad (ibid.; Clarín 22 Aug. 1999; La Nación 19 June 2000). In a 7 March 2001 interview, the President of ADAND stated that the organization houses an average of between 20 and 30 children at any given time.

The President also stated that ADAND receives support, including money and other necessities, from companies and members (socios). The President added that door-to-door fund-raising activities consist of leaflet distribution. Individuals who receive a leaflet may then decide whether or not make a donation to the Association. The President stated that individuals engaged in leaflet distribution on behalf of the ADAND have no problems with the police, because the Association has the status of a "legal person" (persona jurídica).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate 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. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

References

Asociación de Asistencia a la Niñez Desamparada (ADAND), Buenos Aires. 7 March 2001. Telephone interview with President.

Clarín [Buenos Aires]. 22 August 1999. "La abuela que dejó todo por los chicos." http://www.clarin.com.ar/ [Accessed 6 Mar. 2001]

La Nación [Buenos Aires]. 19 June 2000. "Vecinos solidarios." http://www.lanacion.com.ar [Accessed 6 Mar. 2001]

Revista Tigris [Tigre]. January 2001. Vol. 4. No. 51. "Familia del corazón." http://www.eidico.com.ar/eidico/tigris_actual/tigris10.htm [Accessed 5 Mar. 2001]

Unidad Coordinadora de Programas de Discapacidad, Ministerio de Desarrollo Social y Salud, Mendoza. 9 March 2001. Telephone interview with representative.

Additional Sources Consulted

Dirección de Niñez, Adolescencia, Ancianidad, Discapacidad y Familia.

IRB databases.

Unsuccessful attempts to contact the Asociación Mendocina de Actividades de Discapacitados.

Internet sites including:

Canal 9 Televida [Mendoza]. Sintesis de noticias. Aug. 2000-Mar. 2001.

Clarín [Buenos Aires]. 1997-2001.

Cuyo Noticias [Mendoza]. Aug. 2000-Mar. 2001

Diario Los Andes [Mendoza]. Feb.-May; Sept. 2000-Mar. 2001.

Gobernación de Mendoza.

La Nación [Buenos Aires]. 1997-2001.

Páginas Doradas Guía Telefonica.