Deputies approve increased powers for human rights agency

From: TheNewsMexico.com, Mexico - 27 Nov 2002

Deputies approve increased powers for human rights agency

The capital's legislative assembly will have new powers to take public servants to court for failing to implement recommendations by the local Human Rights Commission (CDHDF), under a motion approved unanimously by an assembly committee.

Legal changes, to be voted on by the plenary on Thursday, will also make the organization autonomous from the government increasing its authority and independence, said a Tuesday report in El Universal daily.

Under the new law, CDHDF representatives will be allowed access to city prisons and public health institutions that help AIDS patients and the mentally ill to assess quality of treatment.

To ensure improved social and legal assistance to some of the most vulnerable sectors, the CDHDF will evaluate its translators that work with indigenous and deaf clients and sign agreements with various institutions for interpreters to be provided as necessary.

CDHDF official Gilberto Ensastiga told La Jornada daily the changes would force public servants to explain their reasons for not enforcing measures aimed at improving human rights.

--Claudia Boyd-Barrett

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