IOM and Mexico's National Human Rights Commission (CNDH by its
Spanish acronym) yesterday signed a cooperation agreement to
protect and promote the human rights of migrants.

The agreement will enhance ongoing activities between the two
institutions and includes advocacy and discussion on new
legislation and regulations related to migration, training on
migrants' rights instruments for government officials and civil
society institutions, preparation of studies on respect of migrant
rights and the development of assistance projects in selected
border locations.

It is estimated that more than 500,000 Mexicans migrate to the
United States every year, most of them as irregular migrants who
face daily risks when crossing the border through desert
areas.  An additional 250,000 Central American migrants cross
Mexico's southern border every year on their way to the United
States, and are subject to abuse and exploitation during their long
route across the country.

The chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of the Mexican
Congress congratulated CNDH and IOM on the agreement and
highlighted congressional commitment to the protection of migrants'
rights.  Representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
the National Women Institute, the Mexican Senate, national NGOs,
the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the United
Nations Children's Fund also attended the event.

For more information, please contact:

Juan Artola

IOM Mexico

Tel: + 525 555 363 954

E-mail "mailto:jartola@iom.int">jartola@iom.int