SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF MIGRANTS TO VISIT MEXICO

Geneva, 8 March 2008: At the invitation of the Government, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants, Jorge Bustamante, will begin today a seven-day official visit to Mexico aimed at examining issues affecting the human rights of migrants.

The Special Rapporteur will travel to Mexico City, Tijuana and Tapachula to hold discussions with migrants, government representatives, human rights NGOs, international organisations, researchers and other civil society groups.

Mr. Bustamante will present the mission’s findings in a forthcoming session of the Human Rights Council.

Professor Jorge Bustamante was appointed Special Rapporteur in August 2005. The mandate on the human rights of migrants was established in 1999 to examine ways and means to overcome the obstacles existing to the full and effective protection of the human rights of migrants, including obstacles and difficulties for the return of migrants who are undocumented or in an irregular situation.