E/CN.4/2005/85/Add.4 page 2 Summary The Special Rapporteur visited Peru from 20 to 30 September 2004 at the invitation of the Peruvian Government. The visit enabled the Special Rapporteur to meet her objective of compiling first-hand information from a large number of sources on the departure of Peruvian citizens to other countries, the better to assess the reform of the policy of consular assistance and protection to Peruvians abroad. The Special Rapporteur was also able to investigate the situation of foreigners deprived of liberty in Lima’s prisons. During her mission, the Special Rapporteur visited Lima, Tacna and Tumbes. She concludes that broad sectors of the population, particularly young people, see emigration as the only solution to unemployment and poverty. Peru’s economic growth in recent years has not yet been reflected in any significant improvement in the labour market that would enable young people to find work or that would reduce unemployment or the size of the informal sector. There continue to be large areas of the country where social neglect and political indifference force the population to seek work in neighbouring countries as a survival strategy. The Government is aware of the dimensions of the phenomenon and the problems caused by the mass departure of its citizens, many of them without the necessary papers. The Special Rapporteur encourages the Government to continue working on the reform of its policy for the protection, assistance and promotion of Peruvian communities abroad, to implement it through its diplomatic and consular offices and to reinforce the image of the consul as a public servant. The efforts made by the Peruvian authorities are still inadequate to deal with the smuggling of migrants and trafficking in persons. The Special Rapporteur also wishes to express her profound concern at the grim prison conditions of foreigners in Peru, which in her opinion violate human rights principles and standards.