Advocacy groups question Fox's commitment to human rights.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

Byline: Andres Oppenheimer

MIAMI _ Mexican President Vicente Fox's decision to close his government's recently created human rights office is drawing growing criticism from international advocacy groups and Mexican politicians, who say it raises questions about his commitment to human rights.

Foreign Minister Luis Ernesto Derbez announced a cost-cutting administrative shuffle Aug. 11 that merged two departments under his supervision, and in effect eliminated the office of the special ambassador for human rights, Mariclaire Acosta.

Fox created the office when he became president three years ago, citing it as an example of his decision to make the …