UN rapporteur on human rights defenders to evaluate situation

UN's special rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Michel Forst, will visit Mexico for the first time on Jan. 16-24 to assess the situation of human rights defenders there, which he said is "complex."

In a statement, Forst said his objective is "to take the pulse of those defending human rights in Mexico, understand their situation, listen to their challenges, and make concrete proposals to reinforce government efforts."

Forst would meet with federal and government authorities as well as human rights organizations to discuss measures to promote human rights work.

At the end of his trip, Forst will issue a preliminary report to present "his findings and recommendations" to Mexico.

Forst is a specialist in the analysis of the situation of human rights defenders, the rights of disabled children and adults living in extreme poverty.

source: Xinhua