### Primary Article:
#### Lack of Legal Awareness Among 90 Inmates in Baja California: CEDHBC
A recent report by Jorge Álvaro Ochoa Orduño, the president of the Commission for Human Rights in Baja California (CEDHBC), has revealed that 90 inmates were unaware of their legal status during the current year. This situation necessitated the organization of 19 informative sessions within the state’s social reintegration centers to address the complaints.
The sessions were aimed at clarifying the legal processes for inmates, many of whom lack access to private legal representation and rely on public defenders. According to Ochoa Orduño, the primary issues presented by inmates were related to the legal status of their cases.
While historically there has been a shortage of public defenders, recent hiring has improved the service quality. However, delays in judicial hearings, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, have added to the uncertainty faced by the inmates.
Ochoa Orduño stated that rather than issuing recommendations to the authorities, the CEDHBC resolved most issues during the sessions by providing information and legal advice directly to the inmates.
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### Secondary Article:
#### Rising Health Rights Violations in Baja California Prisons
Additional findings by the Commission for Human Rights in Baja California (CEDHBC) highlight ongoing concerns about health rights within the prison system. The CEDHBC reported that 79% of the complaints against the Social Reintegration Center (Cesispe) this year are related to violations of health rights.
The complaints typically involve inadequate medical care and lack of access to necessary treatments. These issues have been further compounded by the pandemic, which has strained healthcare resources across the board.
Furthermore, the CEDHBC notes that the municipal government has not engaged the commission in addressing the needs of the homeless population, which remains a critical issue.
Meanwhile, the Judicial Branch workers recently took to the streets in protest. Amid these protests, the Federal Congress is debating a constitutional amendment, which could impact the future of public service provisions.
In light of these developments, it’s clear that systemic improvements in both legal representation and healthcare within Baja California’s prison system are urgently needed. The CEDHBC continues to play a vital role in advocating for the rights and well-being of these vulnerable populations.