01/28/2011— President Felipe Calderon has signed a new bill under the United Nations refugee agency which gives the country a ” legal framework that complies with international standards” for the protection of refugees and asylum-seekers. While Mexico had signed the 1951 Refugee Convention and its Protocol in 2000, it had failed, until now, to have a legal framework that held laws that complied with international standards. The new law entitled ” Law on Refugees and Complementary Protection,” combines practices such as permission to work, access to health care services and access to education. The law also includes complementary protection to people who may not be considered refugees but are fleeing inhuman treatment. Mexico has always treated it’s refugee population well and tends to be a leader in providing support and services to refugees from Latin American countries as well as some African countries.
Sources:
Unknown.”UN agency welcomes Mexico’s new refugee law”. UN News Centre. 28 February, 2011.
