Please join us for a panel discussion with Fr. Pedro Pantoja of the Belén, Posada del Migrante (Bethlehem, the Migrant’s Shelter) and U.S. human rights advocates who will shed light on violence against female migrants, the abuses migrants face as they travel through Mexico to the US, and the details of their work to document and denounce rights violations committed by Mexican security agents.

Every year, tens of thousands of women, men and children travel through Mexico as irregular migrants. The vast majority are headed for the US border in the hope of a new life far from the poverty they left behind. By virtue of entering Mexico without legal permission, irregular migrants are rendered invisible and the pattern of abuses–such as kidnapping, rape and murder– against this vulnerable group is hidden.

Prior to the discussion we will be screening The Invisibles a short documentary film inspired by the stories of the people who make the journey from Central America through Mexico, attempting to reach the US. Actor and Director Gael Garcia Bernal and director Marc Silver joined forces with Amnesty International to document the abuses migrants suffer in transit.

Speakers:

• Father Pedro Pantoja Arreola, Founder and Director, Belén, Posada del Migrante, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico
• Maureen Meyer, Senior Associate for Mexico and Central America, Washington Office on Latin America
• Kathryn R. Striffolino, International Advocacy Associate Director (Latin America) Amnesty International, USA

IPS also invites you to join Father Pedro Pantoja Arreola, as he accepts the 35th annual Letelier-Moffitt Human Rights Award on behalf of Belén, Posada del Migrante, on October 12th at the National Press Club.

Co-sponsored by: Washington Office on Latin America and Amnesty International USA.

Space is limited. RSVP at sena@ips-dc.org or 202-787-5277.