By: WITNESS Becky, Posted: Mar 24 09

Regions: Mexico

Issues: Impunity, Rape and sexual abuse, Violence against women

Tags: ciudad juarez, torture, violence against women, Violencia contra la mujer

BACKGROUND: Read the series of posts about our trip to Mexico City to meet with President Calderón and urge him to end feminicide in Mexico:

* 03/19: Preparing for Mexico

* 03/27: Behind the scenes: last minute preparations

* 03/30: Press Conference

* 04/01: Results of the Presidential meeting

It's the eve of our departure to Mexico and things seem to be falling into place.

We are confirming details regarding the Presidential visit and gathering all the thousands of signed letters, so we can carry them down with us (it's not too late to sign the petition - if you haven't yet, please do so before end of day Thurs Mar 26). We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to speak with President Calderón about this important issue.

Specifically we're going to be asking him to:
- Resolve the unsolved murder of Neyra Cervantes immediately and bring to justice those who are responsible;
- Ensure that authorities involved in David Meza's case be held accountable for his torture. (David has been acquitted of Neyra's murder). Also, that David and his family be offered redress for the suffering they have undergone;
- Finally, because Neyra's case is just one among hundreds, we seek justice for all the murdered women and their families.

We've also confirmed our press conference, which will be held on Friday afternoon. We're bringing Peter Gabriel, Diego Luna and Jaguares' Saul Hernández together to discuss how they have used their artistic platforms to promote positive change, especially to end violence against women in Ciudad Juárez and Chihuahua, Mexico.  We will highlight how each of them have used Dual Injustice to raise awareness.

Also at the press conference, Peter, on behalf of Art for Amnesty, will honor Jaguares’ Saúl Hernández for his unrivaled commitment to defending human rights, and for inspiring tens of thousands of people to join the human rights movement.

We are hoping for a big turn out at the press conference, a productive meeting with President Calderón and a rockin' Peter Gabriel show at the Foro Sol!  If you're there and see us, say hello!

Stay tuned for updates from Mexico!