On 20 February, PBI participated in the Seminar for European Union Delegations' Focal Points on Human Rights, which took place in Brussels and was organized by the European External Action Service (EEAS). The purpose of our participation was to share best practices and to illustrate the challenges we have observed over the 10 years since the implementation of the European Union Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders began.

On 20 February, PBI participated in the Seminar for European Union Delegations' Focal Points on Human Rights, which took place in Brussels and was organized by the European External Action Service (EEAS). The purpose of our participation was to share best practices and to illustrate the challenges we have observed over the 10 years since the implementation of the European Union Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders began.

Mexico City, 4 March 2014. The Cerezo Committee, organization accompanied by PBI for over 12 years, has suffered a defamation campaign during the past few days. This situation is extremely worrying, as it increases the risk facing the members of the organization.

Mexico City, 26 February 2014. PBI Mexico's Annual Report 2013 brings details of the project's work with human rights defenders in the states of Oaxaca, Chihuahua, Coahuila and Guerrero, as well as our activities at the international level.

The report is now available to view and download.

By: Ben Leather *

(Article originally published by Espolea A.C. on drogas-en-movimiento.org on 24 February 2014. You can also view it in PDF.)

Mexico City, 18 February 2014. Salil Shetty, Amnesty International's Secretary General, visited Mexico this week and met with President Enrique Peña Nieto. The organization called on the President to confront the critical human rights situation in the country.

PBI observes protest by FUUNDEC in Saltillo in early February  © PBI Mexico

Mexico City, 12 February 2014. Yesterday the Committee for the Integral Defense of Human Rights “Gobixha” (Código-DH) condemned recent acts of harassment against members of the Popular Assembly of the People of Juchitán (APPJ). The organization also denounced harassment suffered by fishermen while trying to attend their place of worship.

Mexico City, 12 February 2014. On 8 February PBI signed a new accompaniment agreement with the Fray Juan de Larios Diocese Center for Human Rights, the Saltillo Migrant Shelter and the Juan Gerardi Human Rights Center, organizations from the state of Coahuila.

• Civil Society Organizations call on Mexico to accept all recommendations issued during the UPR, except those contrary to national and international standards.

• CSOs urge the State to reject those recommendations which refer to hindering women`s access to sexual and reproductive health care and preventing same sex marriage.