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Segob Reiterates Commitment to Eradicate Torture in Mexico

Roberto Campa Cifrián, undersecretary of Human Rights of the Interior Secretariat (Segob), said that the government is committed to eradicate the practice of torture throughout the country. “Torture is not justified under any circumstance, even during worst case scenarios, because it is such serious violation of human rights that we can’t allow any exceptions,” he said.

Roberto Campa Cifrián, undersecretary of Human Rights of the Interior Secretariat (Segob). Photo: Notimex/José Pazos

During the launch of the National Police Training in Human Rights Program of the National Security Commission in San Luis Potosí, Campa Cifrián said that police officers of any agency should be genuine defenders of human rights.

“The time has come to fully eradicate this practice,” he said. In order to follow up on this effort, it is necessary that laws and institutions help personal efforts at all levels and fields regarding the issue, he added.

The Segob hopes that the launching of the program, which is carefully designed to meet its planned objectives, will represent a breakthrough in human rights.

“Torture in itself is a factor which breeds violence, not something that provides security. In addition, an investigation based on torture has no legal value and does not guarantee getting to the truth,” said Campa Cifrián.

That is why the orders from President Enrique Peña Nieto to Miguel Ángel Osorio Chong, head of the Segob, is to prioritize this issue in the human rights policy.

Miguel Ángel Osorio Chong, head of the Segob, is to prioritize this issue in the human rights policy. Photo: Notimex/Blanca Zumaya