Amnesty International calls on Mexican authorities to protect migrants

Amnesty International calls on Mexican authorities to protect migrants

2011-05-19 07:23:39 GMT+7 (ICT)

LONDON (BNO NEWS) -- Amnesty International on Wednesday called on Mexican authorities to protect migrants after the discovery of more than 500 irregular migrants being smuggled through the country.

"While it's a positive development that Mexican authorities have intercepted these trucks and an investigation is under way, the appalling conditions the migrants endured highlights the vulnerability of tens of thousands of irregular migrants who pass through Mexico each year," said Susan Lee, Amnesty International's Americas Programme Director.

"Mexican authorities must do more to protect the many people braving one of the most dangerous journeys in the world in hopes of finding a better life."

Police in Chiapas in southern Mexico on Tuesday intercepted two trailer trucks carrying 513 migrants from different parts of Central America, the Caribbean, and Asia. The rescued migrants, including 32 women and four children, were traveling in 'inhumane' conditions.

According to the Attorney General of the State of Chiapas, each of the 513 migrants are believed to have paid around $7,000 to be smuggled into the United States. Six people were arrested on suspicion of people-smuggling in relation to the operation, including the drivers.

The London-based human rights organization urged Mexican federal authorities to set up a task force to protect irregular migrants in Mexico and punish those responsible for abuses. Tens of thousands of migrants passing through Mexico face a variety of serious abuses from organized criminal gangs, and even from Mexican authorities.

"Irregular migrants must be allowed to report abuses without fear of deportation or repatriation, and Mexican authorities should collect and publish accurate official data on abuses against migrants, including violent deaths and reports of missing persons," said Susan Lee.

"Only through a serious, coordinated effort can the Mexican authorities protect migrants from the host of threats they face."

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