Universal Periodic Review Working Group – 17th Session
Universal Periodic Review of Mexico
23 October 2013
Australia welcomes the steps Mexico has taken to advance human rights since its last review, particularly its incorporation of human rights into the Constitution. Australia recommends Mexico expand and reinforce its work in the health and education sectors, particularly to protect the rights of vulnerable sectors, including indigenous peoples, women and children.
Mexico should persist in its attempts to harmonise its domestic laws with international human rights standards, especially at the state level. We are interested in the level of cooperation between the National Human Rights Commission and its state counterparts.
Australia welcomes Mexico’s implementation of the 2008 constitutional criminal justice reforms to enhance transparency and provide procedural rights for accused persons. Australia recommends that Mexico accelerate implementation of these reforms. Particular attention must be paid to assisting states in which the reforms have stalled, training for Prosecutors and Police, and limiting the use of preventative custody measures such as arraigo.
We further recommend Mexico provides its civilian courts with jurisdiction over human rights violations committed against civilians by members of the armed security forces to ensure accountability.
We are also deeply concerned about the continuing abuse of journalists and human rights defenders and its consequential effect on the freedom of expression. We recommend Mexico ensures adequate attention is dedicated to their effective protection.