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| HARVARD UNIVERSITY > JOHN F. KENNEDY SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT | PROGRAM IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE POLICY AND MANAGEMENT | |||||||||
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> Police misconduct > Bias crimes > Diversity within law enforcement > Discrimination against ex-offenders > Unequal enforcement |
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> Project description > Participant bios > Faculty and staff > Other Executive Sessions > Contact > Privacy policy > Supporters |
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> Biography of Mr. Alvarez > Federal District Commission of Human Rights website Read the transcript of Mr. Alvarez' dinnertime address and discussion with Executive Session members. |
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In
May 2006, the Executive Session welcomed Emilio Alvarez
Icaza Longoria, President of the Federal District Commission
of Human Rights (CDHDF), or the Mexico City Human Rights
Commission. Unlike his counterparts in U.S. cities, Mr.
Alvarez is elected by the legislature in Mexico City. The
Commission employs more than 440 staff members, far more
than even the New York City Human Rights Commission with
its 150 employees. The President, also known as the Defender
of the People, is independent from the executive branch
of government and is not affiliated with political parties,
enterprises, particular pressure groups or religious associations.
The organization investigates complaints and reports of
alleged violations of human rights which are attributed
to any authority or public servant who has a job in the
public administration of Mexico City or in the law enforcement
organizations that have local jurisdiction in Mexico City.
The Commission investigates approximately 46,000 claims
a year. In its defense and education programs, the Commission
pursues three strategies. First, it seeks to identify perpetrators
of human rights violations. Second it looks to see what
structural conditions -- administrative, legal, procedural,
and even sometimes technological -- allowed the violations
to occur. Finally, it seeks to remedy the violation, not
just financially but also morally. Mr. Alvarez explained
that governmental recognition of human rights in Mexico
is a relatively new yet rapidly developing phenomenon. There
are now 32 local commissions, serving the state's 31 states
and federal district, as well as a National Commission for
Human Rights (CNDH). The Mexico City Human Rights Commission
was established in 1993, while the national commission is
just two years older.