TOUGH US BORDER CONTROLS 'BREACH HUMAN RIGHTS'

Mexicans attempting to enter the United States over the 2,000-mile border
are dying almost daily, the United Nations human rights commissioner, Mary
Robinson, was told yesterday.

The number of deaths has reached such a level that campaigners are claiming
that the tightness of the border controls may be in breach of international
human rights.

So far this year, 306 people have died while trying to cross the border
over treacherous mountain ranges and by swimming across rivers, according
to the Mexican government. Last year the total was 377, Mexico said. The US
immigration and naturalisation service (INS) accepts that at least 230 died
last year.

To draw attention to the deaths, the California Rural Legal Assistance
Foundation planted a mile-long row of 5ft-high crosses with the names of
those who have died attempting to reach the US. Representatives of the
group were due to meet Mrs Robinson, who is on a five-day tour of Mexico.

"There are threats, some violations (of human rights). There have even been
some cases of gunshot wounds and people being shot to death," said Jose
Angel Pescador, Mexico's deputy minister for immigration.

Following the collapse of the Mexican economy in 1994, increasing numbers
have tried to enter the US. An estimated 500,000 illegal immigrants are
employed as farm workers.

In response, the US government tightened border controls in 1994. Deaths
along the Californian border alone rose from 23 in 1994 to 145 last year
following the new restrictions.

As a result, would-be immigrants - known as "wetbacks" because of the
traditional at tempts to swim across the border - have taken increasingly
dangerous routes. They pay money to middlemen who offer to show them "safe"
routes.

Despite the risks, there appears to be an inexhaustible number of people
willing to both pay money and endure hardship in their efforts to try and
reach the US.

Human rights and immigrant groups are urging Mrs Robinson to order an
inquiry. A new special investigator on migration issues has just been
appointed by the UN.

The INS says that border patrol agents have rescued 1,042 people who ran
into difficulties on the wild terrain while attempting to cross the border
illegally.

Mrs Robinson is also expected to discuss human rights issues within Mexico
with President Ernesto Zedillo. She has been told of alleged human rights
violations by the country's military.