The Working Group had a comprehensive and constructive dialogue in which the main topics on the bilateral migration agenda and developments since the last meeting in September 1995 were reviewed. The issues addressed were:

Exchange of information regarding the recent developments in both countries' 1. migratory policies,

2. Consular protection and human rights of migrants,

3. Safe and orderly repatriation procedures,

4. Combating migrant trafficking and falsification of official documents,

5. Training, and

6. Evaluation of the results of the Regional Conference on Migration.

Among the most important conclusions of the Group were the following:

Both delegations shared their deep concern regarding the loss of life of Mexican nationals and the serious incidents that occurred in April in California. The Government of the United States assured the Government of Mexico that it is treating the incidents with the utmost seriousness, and reiterated the importance it attaches to the protection of human rights. The Department of State will monitor the investigations closely, and will keep the Government of Mexico fully informed as the investigations progress. The Department of Justice will undertake to work with local police departments in border areas to review procedures and training on the protection of human rights.

Both delegations reiterated their concern regarding the possibility of similar incidents and the necessity of preventing situations which threaten the physical safety, dignity and human rights of migrants. Pursuant to this concern, the two delegations expressed their firm commitment to intensify their actions against criminals who profit from othersâ hardships and to invigorate activities to combat trafficking in migrants which threatens the safety and well being of migrants and both countriesâ nationals who live and work along the border. The two governments also agreed to take action against individuals who perpetrate criminal activities of all kinds at the border, including the falsification of documents. In order to address another potential cause of such incidents, the two delegations agreed to work towards the design and implementation of measures to raise public awareness with regard to the human rights of migrants and to counteract discriminatory attitudes.

The two delegations will continue to work together through the effective mechanisms they have established to exchange information regarding migratory policies and practices on both sides of the border and to promote mutually agreed principles and measures as adopted at the Regional Conference on Migration in Puebla.

In the context of the exchange of information regarding their respective immigration policies, the Mexican delegation submitted a detailed report on the activities of the Migrants Protection Groups along the border with the United States. In addition, it announced the creation of a new Group in Agua Prieta, Sonora, as well as the establishment of a similar Group that will operate on the Southern border of Mexico. The US delegation acknowledged the success of these Groups, which contribute to alleviating violence and insecurity at the border.

The two delegations reviewed the initial progress of the pilot program of voluntary interior repatriation and measures to continue this program, which is designed to protect migrants stranded at the border and to ensure a safer border region. The delegations also discussed measures to ensure safe and orderly repatriation procedures.

The Working Group prepared a Memorandum of Understanding on Consular Protection of Mexican and United States Nationals to be signed this afternoon. This Memorandum expresses the will of both governments to consolidate efforts to guarantee the human rights of nationals of both countries, and addresses situations which endanger the physical safety, dignity and security of their nationals within the territory of the other.

Tlatelolco, D.F., May 7, 1996.