Mexican Federal Government has respect for the human rights of all people

Wednesday, 25 January 2012 00:00

Newsroom Staff

By Eliane Portillo

The Mexican federal government denied accusations by Human Rights Watch (HRW) that the Mexican military has violated human rights and receives impunity from the government.

The HRW’s report states that from Dec. 1, 2006 to the present, the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) has received 6,065 complaints against Mexican military personnel. The report said that the Mexican military has committed serious violations, including executions, torture and forced disappearances, all the while enjoying impunity. On Tuesday, the Interior Secretariat (Segob) responded in a statement to a report released by HRW on Sunday, saying that Mexico will continue to combat criminal organizations to safeguard the integrity of Mexican society.

These violations have only made the climate of lawlessness and fear worse in many parts of the country, the report said.

In the Segob’s statement, the government said that the efforts of the Mexican Armed Forces to combat criminal organizations are carried out in order to improve public security.

The Segob stated that the federal government fully respects citizens’ rights and, as an example of that, the government has created the Department of Human Rights under the National Defense Secretariat (Sedena) and signed an agreement with the CNDH last May.

Also on Monday, the head of the Attorney General’s Office (PGR), Marisela Morales Ibáñez, inaugurated the Human Rights Protection Department in the Research and National Security Center (CISEN).

At the inauguration, Morales Ibáñez said that the Department has the objective to protect people’s fundamental rights. The new agency will accept people’s complaints of alleged human rights violations and will have the ability to impose punishment.

Morales Ibáñez added that President Felipe Calderón has carried out measures to create a state which respects human rights.

Complaints to the HRW resulted in the organization publishing 98 recommendations and noted that CNDH and the Sedena should work together to develop training, improve education and promote human rights in Mexico.