Mexico City, January 19, 2007

The CCIODH will hold a Press Conference on Saturday, January 20 at 12 noon at the José Martí Cultural Center, Dr. Mora #1, Col. Centro, Alameda, in Mexico City.

After 33 days of the Commission's work which began on December 17, 2006, the International Civil Commission for Human Rights Observation (CCIODH) will end its fifth visit to Mexico. At the press conference the Commission will present the conclusions and recommendations that it has made after carrying out over 400 interviews with detained and imprisoned persons, their families, social, civil and human rights organizations, lawyers, independent as well as official media as well as government institutions. These groups have provided us with documentation, denunciations and testimonies that form the basis of our work. We will also show a short video with important clips from the Commission's work. We thank all those who put trust in our work us during our visit.

At the press conference writer Carlos Monsiváis will be present. We will also be accompanied by the words of Samuel Ruiz, bishop emeritus of the Diocese of San Cristóbal de las Casas; of Rosario Ibarra, president of the Human Rights Commission of the Mexican Senate; and of Dr. Francisco Toledo, Oaxacan painter.

As competent witnesses to the conclusions and recommendations made by the commission, we have extended a special invitation to Amérigo Incalcaterra, UN-High Commissioner for Human Rights; and to Dr. Rodolfo Stavenhagen, UN-Special Rapporteur Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of Indigenous Persons. We hope that both will be able to be present. We also hope to be joined by several civil organizations during tomorrow's press conference.

In approximately one month, a follow-up Commission of the CCIODH will return to Mexico with the goal of presenting the Commission's Preliminary Report and to continue the work that was begun in Oaxaca.

We look forward to your presence.

Sincerely,

CCIODH Press Commission