UN human rights chief announces official visit to Mexico

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour will make a four-day official visit next week to Mexico to assess recent developments in the country and key challenges ahead in protecting human rights.

During her visit Ms. Arbour will sign an agreement with the Mexican Government to continue the support of her office (OHCHR) to national efforts to promote and protect human rights, according to a media statement released in Geneva today.

Ms. Arbour is scheduled to hold talks with President Felipe Calderon, Foreign Minister Patricia Espinosa, as well as other senior officials from the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the Mexican Government.

The High Commissioner – who has previously visited Mexico in this role – will also meet representatives of the National Commission on Human Rights, along with human rights defenders, academics, and members of women’s and indigenous organizations.

In addition, she is expected to travel to the Pacific coast state of Guerrero for talks with its Governor, the committee in charge of preparing the local human rights assessment, and local indigenous groups.