Lic. Emilio Chuayffet Chemor
Secretario de Gobernacion
Secretaria de Gobernacion
Bucarelli 99, 1er piso
Col Juarez
06699 Mexico DF, MEXICO

Dear Minister:

I wish to express my concern regarding recent incidents of human rights abuse perpetrated by police against children living on the streets of Mexico City near the Northern Bus Station.

Around midnight on 28 May 1997, a girl named Nancy (age 17) was detained near the bus station by two members of the Policia Preventiva in a police patrol vehicle. According to reports she was subsequently raped and beaten inside the vehicle. Then, around 4:00am on 30 May at the same bus station, police arrested two girls, Rebeca (age 14) and Monica (age 16), and two boys, Acapulco (age 16) and Gari (age 13). They were later released, but during their detention all were reportedly beaten and Rebeca was sexually assaulted.

On 9 June, aided by the Brigada Pro Derechos Humanos Observadores por la Paz, a non-governmental organization that works with street children in Mexico City, Nancy, Rebeca, Monica, Gari and a number of other children who live in the vicinity of the Northern Bus Station went to the Comision de Derechos Humanos del Distrito Federal and filed formal complaints against the police involved. Later the same day, nine street children living near the bus station were arbitrarily arrested by police and held incommunicado before being released that night. The following day, possibly in an effort to intimidate Nancy, two of her friends, also street children, were arrested by the police who accused them of theft. I understand they are still in detention.

Other incidents of intimidation against the children have occurred since they lodged their complaints. Members of a private security force employed by the Northern Bus Station have reportedly threatened the children in order to discourage them from testifying against the police. This private security force has itself been repeatedly accused of attacking street children.

I hope you share my belief that all governments have a responsibility to protect and defend the rights of their citizens. Those who are the most vulnerable -- the young and homeless and poor -- often need special protection from acts of violence and exploitation. Therefore, I strongly urge you to call for a prompt and thorough investigation into the charges of rape, sexual assault and beatings brought by Nancy, Rebeca, Monica, Acapulco and Gari against the police in Mexico City. Ensure that these children will not be subjected to further harassment, attack or arrest in retaliation for filing their complaints, and that those who committed any crimes against them are brought to justice. In addition, please see that all necessary steps are taken to guarantee the safety of all the children living on the streets around the Northern Bus Station.

Respectfully yours,