[JURIST] Amnesty International Secretary General Irene Khan [AI profile] said Tuesday that although Mexico has played a large role in advocating for human rights in the international arena, the country has failed to adequately address rights abuses at home. Amnesty International [advocacy website] completed its High Level Mission to Mexico [press release] Tuesday, finding that "flaws in the public security and criminal justice system in Mexico currently allow for arbitrary detention, torture, ill-treatment, denial of due process, unfair trials, political interference in the administration of justice, and widespread impunity." Khan said that the purpose of the mission was to ensure Mexico's commitment to upholding human rights. Following the meetings, Amnesty said that:

Amnesty International's meetings with the Mexican government were open and constructive. President Calderon acknowledged Amnesty International's contribution to the development of human rights in Mexico and expressed his own commitment to upholding human rights. He was open to receiving recommendations from Amnesty International on his reform initiatives. The real test will be how the President reflects and implements human rights in his forthcoming legislative and policy reforms. Amnesty International calls on the President to show clear and visible leadership.