Chairwoman Hautala wrote a letter on 20th of September to High Representative Ashton calling her to take action on the critical situation with regards the recent deterioration of the human security conditions, especially in relation to indigenous population and human rights defenders in Mexico, San Juan Copala. [:]

Baroness Catherine Ashton of Upholland
High Representative of the European Union for
Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Vice President of the European Commission
Rue de la Loi 200
B-1049 Brussels 

Dear Baroness Ashton
As you are aware the European Parliament Subcommittee on Human Rights has been closely following the human rights situation in Mexico. I am writing to you to draw your attention and kindly ask you to take action with regards to the recent deterioration of the human security conditions, especially in relation to indigenous population and human rights defenders in Mexico, San Juan Copala.

Following the recent visit to the Mexican state of Oaxaca by two Members of the European Parliament, Ms Satu Hassi and Ms Ska Keller, focussing on the investigation of the murder of two human rights defenders, Finnish national Mr Jyri Jaakkola and Ms Bety Carino, it is an issue of great concern to me that the situation in the village of San Juan Copala in Oaxaca has again become increasingly tense and difficult. The local population, belonging to the Triqui indigenous people, has been kept under siege in the fight between armed groups since December 2009. However, during the recent days there have been outbursts of lethal violence and that the situation is now tense. I have understood that amidst the rising tension and violence many are trying to escape, while those who have to remain are in great risk of further violence. With great alarm I have furthermore learned that the women and children in San Juan Copala have effectively no access to food and medical care.

For the above mentioned reasons an immediate intervention from the authorities is vital in order to prevent further violence and restore security and order.

I therefore respectfully call for you to contact the representative of the Mexican Government to the EU as well as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mexico at the earliest possible opportunity to urge that effective measures be taken to stabilize the situation. I furthermore call that you contact the Office of the High Representative for Human Rights in Mexico to ask for a strong public support.
To conclude, I would like to reiterate that besides this particular case, the human rights situation in Mexico remains a high priority for the European Parliament Subcommittee on Human Rights. Of great concern are the impunity, the fight against drug trafficking and corruption, the threats and harassment of journalists, human rights defenders and indigenous peoples. These issues are being carefully monitored by the European Parliament Subcommittee on Human Rights and will be on our agenda again in the near future.

I shall invite you to take part in the discussion at the Subcommittee once the date is set and am looking forward to hearing from you on any actions taken in the above case.
Yours sincerely,

Heidi Hautala
Chairwoman of European Parliament Subcommittee on Human Rights