CPTnet
15 March 2005

U.S./MEXICO BORDERLANDS: Christian Peacemaker Teams announces delegations to
U.S./Mexico borderlands

Christian Peacemaker Teams announces delegations to U.S./Mexico borderlands
26 May -7 June, 25 June 25- 2 July, and 30 July- 6 August, 2005.

U.S. border control policies deliberately channel migrants into them most
dangerous and inhospitable areas of the desert, resulting in more than 200
migrant deaths in the Arizona borderlands over each of the past two years.
Migrants are vulnerable to attacks by bandits and mistreatment by
unscrupulous guides, and to harassment by anti immigrant vigilantes once
they cross the border. A dramatic increase in the number of Border Patrol
agents has militarized the area and residents of U.S. border towns have
reported violations of their civil rights.

 This summer CPT's borderlands project, based in Douglas, Arizona, will
monitor human rights, engage in violence-deterring activities, and confront
unjust immigration policies through nonviolent public witness. Members of
short-term delegations will join in this work. In addition, they will meet
with representatives of human rights groups, government officials, and
individuals on both sides of the border to gain perspective on the issues
facing migrants.

The 26 May-7 June delegation will include a six-day, seventy-five-mile walk
from Sasabe, Sonora, Mexico to Tucson, Arizona, sponsored by a coalition of
human rights and immigration advocacy groups.

Participants arrange their own transportation to Tucson, Arizona. Cost of
the delegation is $350 U.S. which covers on-ground transportation, food,
simple accommodations, and other delegation fees.

CPT seeks participants with interest or experience in human rights work and
nonviolent action. They should be willing to engage in daily periods of
team worship and reflection, prepare for the trip by becoming familiar with
policies and cultural considerations affecting the U.S./Mexico border
region, and to communicate their experiences to local congregations, groups,
government officials and the media upon return. Some knowledge of Spanish is
helpful. Applicants for the 26 May-7 June delegation must have good health
and physical stamina and be prepared to walk for several hours daily under
arduous desert conditions.

Applications available on the web at www.cpt.org (click on "Delegations".)
For more information contact CPT, phone 773-277-0253, fax 773-277 0291, or
e-mail delegations@cpt.org.