[NYTr] Amnesty Intl Raps Mexico's Rights Policy as "Schizophrenic"

[All the News That Doesn't Fit]

sent by Milt Shapiro (mexnews)


AP - Aug 7, 2007

Amnesty International criticizes Mexico

By EDUARDO CASTILLO
Associated Press Writer

Amnesty International on Tuesday criticized Mexico's human rights 
policy as "schizophrenic," saying the country vigorously promotes 
rights abroad but fails to uphold them within its own borders.

"Mexico is a very prominent champion of human rights 
internationally," Amnesty secretary-general Irene Khan told a news 
conference after meeting with President Felipe Calderon. "But within 
Mexico, serious abuses of human rights continue, including torture, 
arbitrary detention and unfair trials."

Khan said the organization wants the administration of Calderon, who 
took office Dec. 1, to clarify its willingness to "put an end to this 
schizophrenic approach."

The president's office said in a statement that during their meeting 
he had stressed "Mexico's policy of total openness to examination by, 
and cooperation with, international human rights organizations." It 
also said he "reiterated the government's commitment to the promotion 
and protection of the fundamental human rights and freedoms of all 
Mexicans."

Calderon's office said Mexico has made progress on press freedom, 
public access to government information and judicial reforms, working 
to "guarantee public safety and combat organized crime while 
maintaining a firm commitment to human rights."

Khan acknowledged that Mexico's record has improved in recent 
decades, but said it still needs to advance in critical areas such as 
police accountability, judicial process and treatment of suspected 
criminals.

"The real test will be how the president reflects and implements 
human rights in his forthcoming legislative and policy reforms," Khan 
said.

Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press