Author: Emma Buckhout
Today, Mexican President Peña Nieto will meet with President Obama in the White House. This visit comes at a crucial moment as the State Department is evaluating the human rights situation in Mexico. While the presidents’ meeting is sure to highlight strategic partnerships, it is also likely to cover up a grim reality: the human rights situation of disappearances, torture, killings, and impunity is dire in Mexico.
It’s time for our government to speak out for an end to human rights violations in Mexico.
According to the Merida Initiative aid package to Mexico, the U.S. Congress should withhold 15% of the designated funds for security assistance if the State Department determines that the Mexican government is not making progress in certain areas of human rights. Last year LAWG applauded the State Department’s decision to withhold these funds for the first time since 2008. This week, LAWG and six other Mexican, U.S., and international human rights organizations sent a memorandum to the State Department outlining research and specific cases that prove Mexico is NOT meeting these requirements and that U.S. government should once again withhold these funds. The Mexican government needs to demonstrate the political will to investigate and prosecute human rights violations, and to provide justice for victims and their families.
Click here to read a summary of the memo in English.
Haga clic aquí para leer un resumen del memorándum en español.
We need your help to demand an END to human rights violations in Mexico.
Here’s how you can take action today:
- As the U.S. and Mexican presidents meet today, help spread the word that human rights need to be at the top of the agenda. Share this image on Facebook and Twitter.
- We’re also asking Congress to help us make sure the State Department gets the message loud and clear. If you haven’t taken action yet, contact your member of Congress to sign on to a letter to Secretary Kerry about supporting human rights in Mexico.
- And share this page with friends and colleagues!
