World Report 2011 - Human Rights Watch

WORLD REPORT 2011to modify its Code of Military Justice to ensure that “under no circumstances canmilitary jurisdiction be applied” in cases where the military violates the humanrights of civilians. In August 2010, the Inter-American Court found that ValentinaRosendo Cantú and Inés Fernández Ortega, indigenous women from Guerrero,were raped and tortured by members of the army in 2002 and again orderedMexico to modify its military code.The OAS and UN special rapporteurs on freedom of expression conducted a jointvisit to Mexico in August 2010, concluding that grave and diverse obstacles—including serious acts of violence against journalists and widespread impunity—continue to limit free expression in Mexico. In October, the UN special rapporteuron the independence of judges and lawyers released an initial report followingher visit, highlighting the lack of access to justice for the poor and a “system deficientin the investigation of crimes,” among other problems.The UN Human Rights Committee conducted its periodic review of Mexico inMarch. The committee urged Mexico, among other recommendations, to reestablisha special prosecutor’s office dedicated to investigating abuses committedduring the country’s “dirty war” and eliminating arraigo detention from legislationand practice.262