Monday, February 28, 2011

Mexico’s New Refugee Law in January 2011


The United Nations refugee agency today welcomed the entry into force of a new law in Mexico on the protection of refugees and asylum-seekers that now gives the country a legal framework that complies with international standards in this area. The law, which was formally signed by President Felipe Calderón on 26 January 2011 was drafted in 2009 by the Mexican Refugee Commission with technical support from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees .Mexico signed the 1951 Refugee Convention and its Protocol in 2000 and has a history of protecting asylum-seekers and refugees, according to the agency. However, the country lacked a specific legal framework as previous laws did not comply with international standards. The new “Law on Refugees and Complementary Protection” incorporates Mexico’s good practices on refugees, such as permission to work, access to health services including health insurance, access to education and revalidation of studies.

For details visit: http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=37403

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