AMERICA/MEXICO - Necessary to protect the rights of Mexican indigenous children living in poverty and social exclusion

Mexico City (Agenzia Fides) - The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has appealed to the government, society, public institutions and civil organizations to improve the current standard of living of a half million children of indigenous language who live in Mexico. These children live in extreme poverty, in many cases they are forced to leave school and start the toughest jobs, such as those in the fields. They also generally live in small, isolated places, making it more difficult for families to access schools, health, employment and other social programs. The NHRC has stressed the fact that, in accordance with the Constitutional Reform of Human Rights, protecting children is everyone's duty, as well as being committed to eliminating the popular culture, traditions and attitudes which encourage discrimination, exploitation and abuse that indigenous girls suffer. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 22/11/2011)