IACHR expresses concern over Mexico's 'Southern Border Plan'

By Newsroom

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) expressed today its concern over the stepped-up actions taken against migrants since the Southern Border Plan (Plan Frontera Sur) was put into operation.

"According to the information received by the Commission, since the Southern Border Plan was set in motion, in July 2014, the authorities have stepped up actions against migrants and those who defend their rights, and security measures along Mexico's southern border have increased." reads the statement.

The Commission also expressed its concern over information regarding alleged attacks and acts of intimidation directed against migrants and their defenders. 

The IACHR urged Mexico to implement international standards regarding the use of force in immigration control operations; investigate, on its own initiative, acts such as those described above; punish agents responsible for human rights violations; and provide reparation to the victims of these violations.

The Commission reiterated the importance of the principle of exceptionality of immigration detention, as well as the prohibition on the detention of child migrants.