| MEXICO United Mexican States Estados Unidos Mexicanos Joined United Nations: 7 November 1945 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 09/14/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Mexico (Distrito Federal)
111,211,789 (July 2010 est.)
President elected by popular vote for a single six-year term; election
last held on 2 July 2006
Next scheduled election: 1 July 2012
last held on 2 July 2006
Next scheduled election: 1 July 2012
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
According to the Mexican Constitution, the President is both the
Chief of State and Head of Government
Chief of State and Head of Government
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Mestizo (Amerindian-Spanish) 60%, Amerindian or predominantly Amerindian 30%, white 9%, other 1%
| RELIGIONS |
Roman Catholic 76.5%, Protestant 6.3% (Pentecostal 1.4%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.1%, other 3.8%), other 0.3%, unspecified 13.8%,
none 3.1% (2000 census)
none 3.1% (2000 census)
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Federal republic with 31 states (estados, singular - estado) and 1 federal district (distrito federal); Legal system is a mixture of US
constitutional theory and civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations
Executive: President elected by popular vote for a single six-year term; election last held on 2 July 2006 (next to be held 1 July 2012)
Legislative: Bicameral National Congress or Congreso de la Union consists of the Senate or Camara de Senadores (128 seats; 96
members are elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms, and 32 seats are allocated on the basis of each party's popular vote)
and the Federal Chamber of Deputies or Camara Federal de Diputados (500 seats; 300 members are elected by popular vote;
remaining 200 members are allocated on the basis of each party's popular vote; to serve three-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held 2 July 2006 for all of the seats (next to be held 1 July 2012); Chamber of Deputies - last held 5 July
2009 (next to be held July 2012)
Judicial: Supreme Court of Justice or Suprema Corte de Justicia de la Nacion (justices or ministros are appointed by the president
with consent of the Senate)
constitutional theory and civil law system; judicial review of legislative acts; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations
Executive: President elected by popular vote for a single six-year term; election last held on 2 July 2006 (next to be held 1 July 2012)
Legislative: Bicameral National Congress or Congreso de la Union consists of the Senate or Camara de Senadores (128 seats; 96
members are elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms, and 32 seats are allocated on the basis of each party's popular vote)
and the Federal Chamber of Deputies or Camara Federal de Diputados (500 seats; 300 members are elected by popular vote;
remaining 200 members are allocated on the basis of each party's popular vote; to serve three-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held 2 July 2006 for all of the seats (next to be held 1 July 2012); Chamber of Deputies - last held 5 July
2009 (next to be held July 2012)
Judicial: Supreme Court of Justice or Suprema Corte de Justicia de la Nacion (justices or ministros are appointed by the president
with consent of the Senate)
| LANGUAGES |
Spanish, various Mayan, Nahuatl, and other regional indigenous languages
| BRIEF HISTORY |
Mexico is a country of North America and the largest Spanish-speaking country in the world. Its history begins with the arrival of
the first substantiated indigenous inhabitants 12,500 years ago (with potential settlement as early as 20,000 years ago.) The
indigenous peoples began to selectively breed maize plants around 8,000 BC. Evidence shows an explosion of pottery works by
2300 B.C. and the beginning of intensive corn farming between 1800 and 1500 B.C. Between 1800 and 300 BC, complex cultures
began to form. Many matured into advanced pre-Columbian Mesoamerican civilizations such as the: Olmec, Izapa, Teotihuacan,
Maya, Zapotec, Mixtec, Huastec, Tarascan, "Toltec" and Aztec, which flourished for nearly 4,000 years before first contact with
Europeans. These civilizations are credited with many inventions and advancements in many subjects including pyramid-temples,
mathematics, astronomy, medicine, theology, and the wheel. Many claim that ancient Egyptians traded with Mexico, though there is
no evidence to suggest such a claim. However, one can find similarities in Egyptian culture and Native American culture. In 1428,
the Aztecs led a war of liberation against their rulers from the city of Azcapotzalco, which had subjugated most of the Valley of
Mexico's peoples. The revolt was successful, and the Aztecs, through cunning political maneuvers and ferocious fighting skills,
managed to pull off a true "rags-to-riches" story: they became the rulers of central Mexico as the head of the Triple Alliance. By
1519, the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan, was the largest city in the world with a population of around 350,000 (although some
estimates range as high as 500,000). By comparison, the population of London in 1519 was 80,000 people. Tenochtitlan is the site
of modern-day Mexico City. In 1519, the native civilizations of what now is known as Mexico were invaded by Spain, and two
years later in 1521, the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan was conquered by an alliance between Spanish and Tlaxcaltecs (the main
enemies of Aztecs). Francisco Hernández de Córdoba explored the shores of South Mexico in 1517, followed by Juan de Grijalva
in 1518. The most important of the early Conquistadores was Hernán Cortés, who entered the country in 1519 from a native
coastal town which he renamed "Puerto de la Villa Rica de la Vera Cruz" (today's Veracruz). Contrary to popular opinion, Spain
did not conquer all the empire when Cortes conquered Tenochtitlan in 1521. It would take another two centuries after the Siege of
Tenochtitlan before the Conquest of the Aztec Empire would be complete, as rebellions, attacks, and wars continued against the
Spanish by other native peoples. The Spanish defeat of the Aztecs in 1521 marked the beginning of the 300 year-long colonial
period called the New Spain. After the fall of Tenochtitlan, it would take decades of sporadic warfare to pacify the rest of
Mesoamerica. Particularly fierce were the "Chichimeca wars" in the north of the New Spain (1576-1606). During the colonial
period, which lasted from 1521 to 1810, Mexico was known as "Nueva España" or "New Spain" (as aforementioned), whose
claimed territories included today's Mexico, the Spanish Caribbean islands, Central America as far south as Costa Rica, an area
comprising today's southwestern United States, and the Philippine Islands. Spaniards claimed all lands they walked across and all
the land drained by the rivers they saw. They did not conquer or develop any territories that did not have an Indian population to
catechize and provide a sufficient labor source. After Napoleon I invaded Spain in 1807 and put his brother on the Spanish throne,
Mexican Conservatives and rich land-owners who supported Spain's Bourbon royal family objected to the comparatively liberal
Napoleonic policies. Taking advantage of the fact that Spain was severely handicapped under the occupation of Napoleon's army,
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Catholic priest of Spanish descent and progressive ideas, declared Mexico's independence from Spain
in the small town of Dolores on September 16, 1810. This act started the long war, the first official document of independence was
the Solemn Act of the Declaration of Independence of Northern America signed in 1813 by the Congress of Anáhuac. Eventually
led to the official recognition of independence from Spain in 1821 and the creation of the First Mexican Empire. As with many early
leaders in the movement for Mexican independence, Hidalgo was captured by opposing forces and executed. After independence,
several Spanish possessions in Central America which also proclaimed their independence were incorporated into Mexico from
1822 to 1823, with the exception of Chiapas and several other Central American states. Many presidents, generalisimos, emperors,
dictators, etc. came and went during a long period of instability which lasted most of the 19th century. One of the dominant figures
of the second quarter of that century was the dictator Antonio López de Santa Anna. Disagreements about boundaries made the
conflict inevitable. Mexican troops then attacked and killed several American soldiers and captured a small American detachment
between the Rio Grande (which the Republic of Texas, and subsequently the U.S., claimed as the southern border) and the Nueces
River (which had been considered the historic southern border of the Mexican department of Tejas). As a result, President James
K. Polk requested a declaration of war, and the US Congress voted in favor on May 13, 1846. Mexico formally declared war on
23 May. This resulted in the Mexican-American War, which lasted from 1846 to 1848. Mexico was defeated by United States
forces, which occupied Mexico City and many other parts of Mexico. The war was terminated with the Treaty of Guadalupe
Hildalgo which stipulated that, as a condition for peace, Mexico was obligated to sell the mostly vacant northern territories to the
United States for $15 million. In 1855, Santa Anna, who had become dictator one more time, was overthrown by the liberals, in
what was called the Revolution of Ayutla. The moderate liberal Ignacio Comonfort became president. During Comonfort's
presidency, a new Constitution was drafted. The Constitution of 1857 retained most of the Roman Catholic Church's Colonial era
privileges and revenues, but, unlike the earlier constitution, did not mandate that the Catholic Church be the nation's exclusive
religion. In the 1860s, the country again underwent a military occupation, this time by France, establishing the Habsburg Archduke
Ferdinand Maximilian of Austria on the throne of Mexico as Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico, with support from the Roman
Catholic clergy and conservative elements of the upper class as well as some indigenous communities. Although the French, then
considered one of the most efficient armies of the world, suffered an initial defeat in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862 (now
commemorated as the Cinco de Mayo holiday) they eventually defeated the Mexican government forces led by the general Ignacio
Zaragoza and set the couple upon the throne. In mid-1867, following repeated losses in battle to the Republican Army and ever
decreasing support by Napoleon III, Maximilian was captured and executed by Juárez's soldiers, along with his last loyal generals,
Mejia and Miramon in Querétaro. In 1876 Lerdo was re-elected, defeating Porfirio Díaz in the elections. Díaz rebelled against the
government with the proclamation of the Plan de Tuxtepec, in which he opposed reelection, in 1876. Díaz managed to overthrow
Lerdo, who fled the country, and was named president. Díaz became the new president. Thus began a period of more than thirty
years (1876–1911) during which Díaz was the strong man in Mexico. On November 20, 1910. Madero managed to flee to San
Antonio, Texas, where he started to prepare his overthrow of the Díaz government. This started what is known as the Mexican
Revolution. Between 1926 and 1929 an armed conflict in the form of a popular uprising broke out against the anti-Catholic/anti-
clerical Mexican government, set off specifically by the anti-clerical provisions of the Mexican Constitution of 1917. Discontent over
the provisions had been simmering for years. The conflict is known as the Cristero War. In 1929, the National Mexican Party
(PNM) was formed by the serving president, General Plutarco Elías Calles. (It would later become the Partido Revolucionario
Institucional (PRI) that ruled the country for the rest of the 20th century.) On January 1, 1994, Mexico became a full member of the
North American Free Trade Agreement, joining the United States of America and Canada in a large and prosperous economic
bloc. It is on this date that the Zapatista Army of National Liberation emerged, capturing several towns and sparking a brief conflict
with the government. As a result of popular discontent, the presidential candidate of the National Action Party, (PAN) Vicente Fox
Quesada won the federal election of July 2, 2000, but did not win a majority in the chambers of congress. The results of this
election ended 71 years of PRI hegemony in the presidency. PAN maintained the presidency with the election of Felipe Calderon
on 1 December 2006 in a highly contested election race against PRD candidate Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Mexico
the first substantiated indigenous inhabitants 12,500 years ago (with potential settlement as early as 20,000 years ago.) The
indigenous peoples began to selectively breed maize plants around 8,000 BC. Evidence shows an explosion of pottery works by
2300 B.C. and the beginning of intensive corn farming between 1800 and 1500 B.C. Between 1800 and 300 BC, complex cultures
began to form. Many matured into advanced pre-Columbian Mesoamerican civilizations such as the: Olmec, Izapa, Teotihuacan,
Maya, Zapotec, Mixtec, Huastec, Tarascan, "Toltec" and Aztec, which flourished for nearly 4,000 years before first contact with
Europeans. These civilizations are credited with many inventions and advancements in many subjects including pyramid-temples,
mathematics, astronomy, medicine, theology, and the wheel. Many claim that ancient Egyptians traded with Mexico, though there is
no evidence to suggest such a claim. However, one can find similarities in Egyptian culture and Native American culture. In 1428,
the Aztecs led a war of liberation against their rulers from the city of Azcapotzalco, which had subjugated most of the Valley of
Mexico's peoples. The revolt was successful, and the Aztecs, through cunning political maneuvers and ferocious fighting skills,
managed to pull off a true "rags-to-riches" story: they became the rulers of central Mexico as the head of the Triple Alliance. By
1519, the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan, was the largest city in the world with a population of around 350,000 (although some
estimates range as high as 500,000). By comparison, the population of London in 1519 was 80,000 people. Tenochtitlan is the site
of modern-day Mexico City. In 1519, the native civilizations of what now is known as Mexico were invaded by Spain, and two
years later in 1521, the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan was conquered by an alliance between Spanish and Tlaxcaltecs (the main
enemies of Aztecs). Francisco Hernández de Córdoba explored the shores of South Mexico in 1517, followed by Juan de Grijalva
in 1518. The most important of the early Conquistadores was Hernán Cortés, who entered the country in 1519 from a native
coastal town which he renamed "Puerto de la Villa Rica de la Vera Cruz" (today's Veracruz). Contrary to popular opinion, Spain
did not conquer all the empire when Cortes conquered Tenochtitlan in 1521. It would take another two centuries after the Siege of
Tenochtitlan before the Conquest of the Aztec Empire would be complete, as rebellions, attacks, and wars continued against the
Spanish by other native peoples. The Spanish defeat of the Aztecs in 1521 marked the beginning of the 300 year-long colonial
period called the New Spain. After the fall of Tenochtitlan, it would take decades of sporadic warfare to pacify the rest of
Mesoamerica. Particularly fierce were the "Chichimeca wars" in the north of the New Spain (1576-1606). During the colonial
period, which lasted from 1521 to 1810, Mexico was known as "Nueva España" or "New Spain" (as aforementioned), whose
claimed territories included today's Mexico, the Spanish Caribbean islands, Central America as far south as Costa Rica, an area
comprising today's southwestern United States, and the Philippine Islands. Spaniards claimed all lands they walked across and all
the land drained by the rivers they saw. They did not conquer or develop any territories that did not have an Indian population to
catechize and provide a sufficient labor source. After Napoleon I invaded Spain in 1807 and put his brother on the Spanish throne,
Mexican Conservatives and rich land-owners who supported Spain's Bourbon royal family objected to the comparatively liberal
Napoleonic policies. Taking advantage of the fact that Spain was severely handicapped under the occupation of Napoleon's army,
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Catholic priest of Spanish descent and progressive ideas, declared Mexico's independence from Spain
in the small town of Dolores on September 16, 1810. This act started the long war, the first official document of independence was
the Solemn Act of the Declaration of Independence of Northern America signed in 1813 by the Congress of Anáhuac. Eventually
led to the official recognition of independence from Spain in 1821 and the creation of the First Mexican Empire. As with many early
leaders in the movement for Mexican independence, Hidalgo was captured by opposing forces and executed. After independence,
several Spanish possessions in Central America which also proclaimed their independence were incorporated into Mexico from
1822 to 1823, with the exception of Chiapas and several other Central American states. Many presidents, generalisimos, emperors,
dictators, etc. came and went during a long period of instability which lasted most of the 19th century. One of the dominant figures
of the second quarter of that century was the dictator Antonio López de Santa Anna. Disagreements about boundaries made the
conflict inevitable. Mexican troops then attacked and killed several American soldiers and captured a small American detachment
between the Rio Grande (which the Republic of Texas, and subsequently the U.S., claimed as the southern border) and the Nueces
River (which had been considered the historic southern border of the Mexican department of Tejas). As a result, President James
K. Polk requested a declaration of war, and the US Congress voted in favor on May 13, 1846. Mexico formally declared war on
23 May. This resulted in the Mexican-American War, which lasted from 1846 to 1848. Mexico was defeated by United States
forces, which occupied Mexico City and many other parts of Mexico. The war was terminated with the Treaty of Guadalupe
Hildalgo which stipulated that, as a condition for peace, Mexico was obligated to sell the mostly vacant northern territories to the
United States for $15 million. In 1855, Santa Anna, who had become dictator one more time, was overthrown by the liberals, in
what was called the Revolution of Ayutla. The moderate liberal Ignacio Comonfort became president. During Comonfort's
presidency, a new Constitution was drafted. The Constitution of 1857 retained most of the Roman Catholic Church's Colonial era
privileges and revenues, but, unlike the earlier constitution, did not mandate that the Catholic Church be the nation's exclusive
religion. In the 1860s, the country again underwent a military occupation, this time by France, establishing the Habsburg Archduke
Ferdinand Maximilian of Austria on the throne of Mexico as Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico, with support from the Roman
Catholic clergy and conservative elements of the upper class as well as some indigenous communities. Although the French, then
considered one of the most efficient armies of the world, suffered an initial defeat in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862 (now
commemorated as the Cinco de Mayo holiday) they eventually defeated the Mexican government forces led by the general Ignacio
Zaragoza and set the couple upon the throne. In mid-1867, following repeated losses in battle to the Republican Army and ever
decreasing support by Napoleon III, Maximilian was captured and executed by Juárez's soldiers, along with his last loyal generals,
Mejia and Miramon in Querétaro. In 1876 Lerdo was re-elected, defeating Porfirio Díaz in the elections. Díaz rebelled against the
government with the proclamation of the Plan de Tuxtepec, in which he opposed reelection, in 1876. Díaz managed to overthrow
Lerdo, who fled the country, and was named president. Díaz became the new president. Thus began a period of more than thirty
years (1876–1911) during which Díaz was the strong man in Mexico. On November 20, 1910. Madero managed to flee to San
Antonio, Texas, where he started to prepare his overthrow of the Díaz government. This started what is known as the Mexican
Revolution. Between 1926 and 1929 an armed conflict in the form of a popular uprising broke out against the anti-Catholic/anti-
clerical Mexican government, set off specifically by the anti-clerical provisions of the Mexican Constitution of 1917. Discontent over
the provisions had been simmering for years. The conflict is known as the Cristero War. In 1929, the National Mexican Party
(PNM) was formed by the serving president, General Plutarco Elías Calles. (It would later become the Partido Revolucionario
Institucional (PRI) that ruled the country for the rest of the 20th century.) On January 1, 1994, Mexico became a full member of the
North American Free Trade Agreement, joining the United States of America and Canada in a large and prosperous economic
bloc. It is on this date that the Zapatista Army of National Liberation emerged, capturing several towns and sparking a brief conflict
with the government. As a result of popular discontent, the presidential candidate of the National Action Party, (PAN) Vicente Fox
Quesada won the federal election of July 2, 2000, but did not win a majority in the chambers of congress. The results of this
election ended 71 years of PRI hegemony in the presidency. PAN maintained the presidency with the election of Felipe Calderon
on 1 December 2006 in a highly contested election race against PRD candidate Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
Source: Wikipedia: History of Mexico
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
Mexico has a free market economy in the trillion dollar class. It contains a mixture of modern and outmoded industry and
agriculture, increasingly dominated by the private sector. Recent administrations have expanded competition in seaports, railroads,
telecommunications, electricity generation, natural gas distribution, and airports. Per capita income is roughly one-third that of the
US; income distribution remains highly unequal. Trade with the US and Canada has nearly tripled since the implementation of
NAFTA in 1994. Mexico has free trade agreements with over 50 countries including, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, the
European Free Trade Area, and Japan, putting more than 90% of trade under free trade agreements. In 2007, during its first year in
office, the Felipe CALDERON administration was able to garner support from the opposition to successfully pass pension and
fiscal reforms. The administration passed an energy reform measure in 2008, and another fiscal reform in 2009. Mexico's GDP
plunged 6.5% in 2009 as world demand for exports dropped and asset prices tumbled, but GDP is expected to post positive
growth late in 2010. The administration continues to face many economic challenges, including improving the public education
system, upgrading infrastructure, modernizing labor laws, and fostering private investment in the energy sector. CALDERON has
stated that his top economic priorities remain reducing poverty and creating jobs.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Mexico)
agriculture, increasingly dominated by the private sector. Recent administrations have expanded competition in seaports, railroads,
telecommunications, electricity generation, natural gas distribution, and airports. Per capita income is roughly one-third that of the
US; income distribution remains highly unequal. Trade with the US and Canada has nearly tripled since the implementation of
NAFTA in 1994. Mexico has free trade agreements with over 50 countries including, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, the
European Free Trade Area, and Japan, putting more than 90% of trade under free trade agreements. In 2007, during its first year in
office, the Felipe CALDERON administration was able to garner support from the opposition to successfully pass pension and
fiscal reforms. The administration passed an energy reform measure in 2008, and another fiscal reform in 2009. Mexico's GDP
plunged 6.5% in 2009 as world demand for exports dropped and asset prices tumbled, but GDP is expected to post positive
growth late in 2010. The administration continues to face many economic challenges, including improving the public education
system, upgrading infrastructure, modernizing labor laws, and fostering private investment in the energy sector. CALDERON has
stated that his top economic priorities remain reducing poverty and creating jobs.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Mexico)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
The federal government, called the Supreme Power of the Federation, is constituted by the Powers of the Union: the executive, the
legislative and the judicial powers. Mexico City, as the capital of the federation is the Federal District, the seat of the powers of the
Union. All branches of government are independent; no two separate branches must be vested upon a single person or institution,
and the legislative power must not be vested upon single individual.
The presidential elections were the most competitive in the history of the country in which the difference in the ballot count between
the winner and the first runner up was less than one percent point, and in which neither candidate got absolute majority in a system
in which a second round of voting has not been instituted. Felipe Calderón got the greatest number of votes according to the
preliminary computation (PREP) and the ballot recount. Andrés Manuel López Obrador contested the results and demanded a
vote-per-vote recount, which was denied by the Federal Electoral Tribunal, based on the argument that inconsistencies could not be
proved for all electoral circumscriptions, but order a partial recount of votes of those that did show inconsistencies which
represented 9.2% of the total, after which the results were not significantly altered. The Federal Electoral Tribunal declared Felipe
Calderón the winner of the elections on September 5, and president elect. He took office on December 1, and his term will end on
November 30, 2012.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Mexico
legislative and the judicial powers. Mexico City, as the capital of the federation is the Federal District, the seat of the powers of the
Union. All branches of government are independent; no two separate branches must be vested upon a single person or institution,
and the legislative power must not be vested upon single individual.
The presidential elections were the most competitive in the history of the country in which the difference in the ballot count between
the winner and the first runner up was less than one percent point, and in which neither candidate got absolute majority in a system
in which a second round of voting has not been instituted. Felipe Calderón got the greatest number of votes according to the
preliminary computation (PREP) and the ballot recount. Andrés Manuel López Obrador contested the results and demanded a
vote-per-vote recount, which was denied by the Federal Electoral Tribunal, based on the argument that inconsistencies could not be
proved for all electoral circumscriptions, but order a partial recount of votes of those that did show inconsistencies which
represented 9.2% of the total, after which the results were not significantly altered. The Federal Electoral Tribunal declared Felipe
Calderón the winner of the elections on September 5, and president elect. He took office on December 1, and his term will end on
November 30, 2012.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of Mexico
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
Abundant rainfall in recent years along much of the Mexico-US border region has ameliorated periodically strained water-sharing
arrangements; the US has intensified security measures to monitor and control legal and illegal personnel, transport, and
commodities across its border with Mexico; Mexico must deal with thousands of impoverished Guatemalans and other Central
Americans who cross the porous border looking for work in Mexico and the United States
arrangements; the US has intensified security measures to monitor and control legal and illegal personnel, transport, and
commodities across its border with Mexico; Mexico must deal with thousands of impoverished Guatemalans and other Central
Americans who cross the porous border looking for work in Mexico and the United States
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPS) |
IDPs: 5,500-10,000 (government's quashing of Zapatista uprising in 1994 in eastern Chiapas Region) (2007)
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
Major drug-producing nation; cultivation of opium poppy in 2007 rose to 6,900 hectares yielding a potential production of 18
metric tons of pure heroin, or 50 metric tons of "black tar" heroin, the dominant form of Mexican heroin in the western United
States; marijuana cultivation increased to 8,900 hectares in 2007 and yielded a potential production of 15,800 metric tons;
government conducts the largest independent illicit-crop eradication program in the world; continues as the primary transshipment
country for US-bound cocaine from South America, with an estimated 90% of annual cocaine movements toward the US
stopping in Mexico; major drug syndicates control the majority of drug trafficking throughout the country; producer and
distributor of ecstasy; significant money-laundering center; major supplier of heroin and largest foreign supplier of marijuana and
methamphetamine to the US market (2007)
metric tons of pure heroin, or 50 metric tons of "black tar" heroin, the dominant form of Mexican heroin in the western United
States; marijuana cultivation increased to 8,900 hectares in 2007 and yielded a potential production of 15,800 metric tons;
government conducts the largest independent illicit-crop eradication program in the world; continues as the primary transshipment
country for US-bound cocaine from South America, with an estimated 90% of annual cocaine movements toward the US
stopping in Mexico; major drug syndicates control the majority of drug trafficking throughout the country; producer and
distributor of ecstasy; significant money-laundering center; major supplier of heroin and largest foreign supplier of marijuana and
methamphetamine to the US market (2007)
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: Mexico
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Mexico, with a population of approximately 111 million, is a federal republic composed of 31 states and a federal district, with an elected
president and bicameral legislature. President Felipe Calderon of the National Action Party was elected in 2006 to a six-year term in
generally free and fair multiparty elections. The country continued its fight against organized crime, which involved frequent clashes
between security forces and drug traffickers. As the government brought enforcement pressure against drug-trafficking organizations
(DTOs), both the DTOs and gangs within them battled each other for control of trafficking routes and markets, causing more than
8,000 drug related homicides during the year, as well as clashes between DTOs and security forces. Civilian authorities generally
maintained effective control of the security forces. There were instances in which elements of these forces acted outside of the
government's policies.
The government generally respected and promoted human rights; however, the following problems were reported during the year by the
country's National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) and other sources:
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Mexico, with a population of approximately 111 million, is a federal republic composed of 31 states and a federal district, with an elected
president and bicameral legislature. President Felipe Calderon of the National Action Party was elected in 2006 to a six-year term in
generally free and fair multiparty elections. The country continued its fight against organized crime, which involved frequent clashes
between security forces and drug traffickers. As the government brought enforcement pressure against drug-trafficking organizations
(DTOs), both the DTOs and gangs within them battled each other for control of trafficking routes and markets, causing more than
8,000 drug related homicides during the year, as well as clashes between DTOs and security forces. Civilian authorities generally
maintained effective control of the security forces. There were instances in which elements of these forces acted outside of the
government's policies.
The government generally respected and promoted human rights; however, the following problems were reported during the year by the
country's National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) and other sources:
- unlawful killings by security forces;
- kidnappings;
- physical abuse;
- poor and overcrowded prison conditions; arbitrary arrests and detention;
- corruption, inefficiency, and lack of transparency that engendered impunity within the judicial system;
- confessions coerced through torture;
- violence and threats against journalists leading to self-censorship.
- Societal problems included domestic violence, including killings of women;
- trafficking in persons;
- social and economic discrimination against some members of the indigenous population;
- child labor.
TRANSLATED FROM SPANISH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
June 2, 2010
Human Rights Council
14. Session
Agenda item 3
Promotion and protection of all human rights civil, political, economic, social and cultural including the right to development
Report of the Special Rapporteur on the right to education,
Mr. Vernor Muñoz *
Mission to Mexico **
Summary
Mr. Vernor Muñoz Villalobos, Special Rapporteur on the right to education, visited Mexico from 8 to 18 February 2010. During the
mission the Special Rapporteur reviewed the status of the right to education, taking into account the different types and educational
levels, ie preschool, primary, secondary and high school and higher.
In this report, the Special Rapporteur discusses the main features of Mexican education system and out of school in terms of
organization, coverage, state spending, grants, and recent reforms of the education system today Federal Government.
Also, the Special Rapporteur to study the initiatives developed by the Government to address the challenges facing the education system,
particularly in the on the quality of education, indigenous education, intercultural education, migrant education and child laborers and
inclusive education.
Finally, the Special Rapporteur considers necessary to reach a national consensus for education, beyond the changes of government and
involving various civil society actors, such as fathers and mothers of families, academia, civil society organizations, students, teachers
and teachers and authorities of the federal and state levels.
Click here to read more »
June 2, 2010
Human Rights Council
14. Session
Agenda item 3
Promotion and protection of all human rights civil, political, economic, social and cultural including the right to development
Report of the Special Rapporteur on the right to education,
Mr. Vernor Muñoz *
Mission to Mexico **
Summary
Mr. Vernor Muñoz Villalobos, Special Rapporteur on the right to education, visited Mexico from 8 to 18 February 2010. During the
mission the Special Rapporteur reviewed the status of the right to education, taking into account the different types and educational
levels, ie preschool, primary, secondary and high school and higher.
In this report, the Special Rapporteur discusses the main features of Mexican education system and out of school in terms of
organization, coverage, state spending, grants, and recent reforms of the education system today Federal Government.
Also, the Special Rapporteur to study the initiatives developed by the Government to address the challenges facing the education system,
particularly in the on the quality of education, indigenous education, intercultural education, migrant education and child laborers and
inclusive education.
Finally, the Special Rapporteur considers necessary to reach a national consensus for education, beyond the changes of government and
involving various civil society actors, such as fathers and mothers of families, academia, civil society organizations, students, teachers
and teachers and authorities of the federal and state levels.
Click here to read more »
Freedom In The World 2010 Report
Political Rights Score: 2
Civil Liberties Score: 3
Status: Free
Overview
Violence associated with organized crime, particularly drug trafficking, again rose dramatically in 2009, resulting in the deaths of at least
7,700 people. The government continued to deploy troops to the areas most affected by violence even as allegations of rights abuses by
the military increased. The opposition Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) and its allies captured a majority of seats in July elections
for the lower house of Congress, and in December President Felipe Calderon proposed a package of major political reforms.
In 2007, Calderon managed to forge legislative coalitions with opposition lawmakers to pass pension, tax, electoral, and judicial reforms,
but political wrangling increased in 2008 due to an attempted reform of the petroleum sector and the approach of the 2009 congressional
elections. The PRI emerged from the July 2009 balloting with control of the Chamber of Deputies, and for a third straight year the party
outperformed its rivals in state and local elections, which were held in six states in 2009.
Violence associated with organized crime, particularly drug trafficking, continued to worsen in 2009, despite Calderon’s decision to
deploy the military to the worst-affected areas after taking office in 2006. An expanded troop deployment in Juarez in early 2009
temporarily diminished the volume of killings there, but a subsequent upsurge dented local confidence in the authorities, as did mounting
allegations of severe human rights violations by the military. December 2009 was the deadliest month of Calderon’s term to date, causing
increased criticism of the government’s anticrime policies.
Mexico’s economy also suffered during the year, with gross domestic product declining by an estimated 6.5 percent. The global
economic downturn helped to reduce remittances from the United States and significantly slowed migration, even as U.S. authorities
continued to step up deportations. The economy, particularly the tourism industry, was also buffeted by Mexico’s status as the epicenter
of an H1N1 influenza outbreak that began in March.
As the country prepared to enter its bicentennial year in 2010, a generalized sense of political dysfunction spurred Calderon to propose
major political reforms in December. Among other changes, the package would allow limited reelection for many elected officials, permit
candidates to run as independents, provide for a second round of voting in presidential elections, reduce the size of Congress, and grant
the president a line-item veto on budget bills.
Mexico is an electoral democracy. The president is elected to a six-year term and cannot be reelected. The bicameral Congress consists
of the 128-member Senate, elected for six years through a mix of direct voting and proportional representation, with at least two parties
represented in each state’s delegation, and the 500-member Chamber of Deputies, with 300 elected directly and 200 through proportional
representation, all for three-year terms. Members of Congress are also currently barred from reelection. Each state has an elected
governor and legislature.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 2
Civil Liberties Score: 3
Status: Free
Overview
Violence associated with organized crime, particularly drug trafficking, again rose dramatically in 2009, resulting in the deaths of at least
7,700 people. The government continued to deploy troops to the areas most affected by violence even as allegations of rights abuses by
the military increased. The opposition Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) and its allies captured a majority of seats in July elections
for the lower house of Congress, and in December President Felipe Calderon proposed a package of major political reforms.
In 2007, Calderon managed to forge legislative coalitions with opposition lawmakers to pass pension, tax, electoral, and judicial reforms,
but political wrangling increased in 2008 due to an attempted reform of the petroleum sector and the approach of the 2009 congressional
elections. The PRI emerged from the July 2009 balloting with control of the Chamber of Deputies, and for a third straight year the party
outperformed its rivals in state and local elections, which were held in six states in 2009.
Violence associated with organized crime, particularly drug trafficking, continued to worsen in 2009, despite Calderon’s decision to
deploy the military to the worst-affected areas after taking office in 2006. An expanded troop deployment in Juarez in early 2009
temporarily diminished the volume of killings there, but a subsequent upsurge dented local confidence in the authorities, as did mounting
allegations of severe human rights violations by the military. December 2009 was the deadliest month of Calderon’s term to date, causing
increased criticism of the government’s anticrime policies.
Mexico’s economy also suffered during the year, with gross domestic product declining by an estimated 6.5 percent. The global
economic downturn helped to reduce remittances from the United States and significantly slowed migration, even as U.S. authorities
continued to step up deportations. The economy, particularly the tourism industry, was also buffeted by Mexico’s status as the epicenter
of an H1N1 influenza outbreak that began in March.
As the country prepared to enter its bicentennial year in 2010, a generalized sense of political dysfunction spurred Calderon to propose
major political reforms in December. Among other changes, the package would allow limited reelection for many elected officials, permit
candidates to run as independents, provide for a second round of voting in presidential elections, reduce the size of Congress, and grant
the president a line-item veto on budget bills.
Mexico is an electoral democracy. The president is elected to a six-year term and cannot be reelected. The bicameral Congress consists
of the 128-member Senate, elected for six years through a mix of direct voting and proportional representation, with at least two parties
represented in each state’s delegation, and the 500-member Chamber of Deputies, with 300 elected directly and 200 through proportional
representation, all for three-year terms. Members of Congress are also currently barred from reelection. Each state has an elected
governor and legislature.
Click here to read more »
10 September 2010
URGENT ACTION
ATTACKED INDIGENOUS WOMEN RISK REPRISALS
On 7 September, armed men attacked two Indigenous women from the San Juan Copala town in the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca.
One was raped and the other one was shot at. After reporting the attack to the authorities, they and their families could be at risk of
reprisals.
The two Indigenous Triqui women, whose names are withheld to protect their integrity, were attacked by armed men at around 1pm.
They were returning on foot to their home town of San Juan Copala, in the Triqui region of Oaxaca state, after buying food in a
neighbouring town. According to what they told the community leaders in San Juan Copala, one of the women was raped and the other
one was shot at while she was running away. Both women survived the attack and made their way back to San Juan Copala, which was
five kilometres away.
San Juan Copalahas been under siege for more than nine months, and is surrounded by armed groups. As there are no medical facilities
in the town, medical attention was only available to the women on 9 September when an ambulance with two doctors reached San Juan
Copala. The ambulance was guarded by more than 40 police officers. The women have been taken to a hospital in a neighbouring town,
but they and their families may be at risk of reprisals. The authorities are not providing them and their families with adequate protection.
In recent years, the activities of armed groups operating with impunity in the Triqui region of Oaxaca has resulted in increasing reports
of killings and attacks. On 27 April 2010, human rights defender Alberta Cariño Trujillo and Finnish observer Jyri Jaakkola were
ambushed and killed by armed men. Some of the armed groups are alleged to have links to local authorities, which on several previous
occasions have failed to take action to prevent attacks or hold those responsible to account, including in cases of abduction and rape of
women and girls.
Additional Information
The 700 Indigenous Triqui inhabitants of San Juan Copala and other nearby Triqui communities established the autonomous municipality
of San Juan Copala on 1 January 2007. As it governs itself, it does not recognize the authority of existing public officials in the main non-
Triqui towns of the region.
The mainly Indigenous Triqui region is one of the poorest and most troubled in the country. For more than 30 years it has been ridden
with inter-community conflict in which scores of people have been killed, several of them in the last few months. The state and federal
authorities have rarely taken action to hold those responsible to account, and the ruling political party in the state, the Revolutionary
Institutional Party (Partido Revolucionario Institucional, PRI) has been accused of exacerbating conflict in the region via the creation of
violent, armed political groups.
On 17 April 2010, José Celestino Hernández Cruz, a man from San Juan Copala, was killed by members of an armed group. On 20 May,
Indigenous leader Timoteo Alejandro Ramírez, and his wife, Cleriberta Castro Aguilar, were shot dead in their home in San Juan Copala.
Timoteo Ramírez was one of the main leaders of San Juan Copala. Nobody has been brought to justice for these and other killings.
The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples states that “Indigenous peoples have the collective right to live in freedom,
peace and security as distinct peoples and shall not be subjected to any act of […] violence.”
Click here to read more »
URGENT ACTION
ATTACKED INDIGENOUS WOMEN RISK REPRISALS
On 7 September, armed men attacked two Indigenous women from the San Juan Copala town in the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca.
One was raped and the other one was shot at. After reporting the attack to the authorities, they and their families could be at risk of
reprisals.
The two Indigenous Triqui women, whose names are withheld to protect their integrity, were attacked by armed men at around 1pm.
They were returning on foot to their home town of San Juan Copala, in the Triqui region of Oaxaca state, after buying food in a
neighbouring town. According to what they told the community leaders in San Juan Copala, one of the women was raped and the other
one was shot at while she was running away. Both women survived the attack and made their way back to San Juan Copala, which was
five kilometres away.
San Juan Copalahas been under siege for more than nine months, and is surrounded by armed groups. As there are no medical facilities
in the town, medical attention was only available to the women on 9 September when an ambulance with two doctors reached San Juan
Copala. The ambulance was guarded by more than 40 police officers. The women have been taken to a hospital in a neighbouring town,
but they and their families may be at risk of reprisals. The authorities are not providing them and their families with adequate protection.
In recent years, the activities of armed groups operating with impunity in the Triqui region of Oaxaca has resulted in increasing reports
of killings and attacks. On 27 April 2010, human rights defender Alberta Cariño Trujillo and Finnish observer Jyri Jaakkola were
ambushed and killed by armed men. Some of the armed groups are alleged to have links to local authorities, which on several previous
occasions have failed to take action to prevent attacks or hold those responsible to account, including in cases of abduction and rape of
women and girls.
Additional Information
The 700 Indigenous Triqui inhabitants of San Juan Copala and other nearby Triqui communities established the autonomous municipality
of San Juan Copala on 1 January 2007. As it governs itself, it does not recognize the authority of existing public officials in the main non-
Triqui towns of the region.
The mainly Indigenous Triqui region is one of the poorest and most troubled in the country. For more than 30 years it has been ridden
with inter-community conflict in which scores of people have been killed, several of them in the last few months. The state and federal
authorities have rarely taken action to hold those responsible to account, and the ruling political party in the state, the Revolutionary
Institutional Party (Partido Revolucionario Institucional, PRI) has been accused of exacerbating conflict in the region via the creation of
violent, armed political groups.
On 17 April 2010, José Celestino Hernández Cruz, a man from San Juan Copala, was killed by members of an armed group. On 20 May,
Indigenous leader Timoteo Alejandro Ramírez, and his wife, Cleriberta Castro Aguilar, were shot dead in their home in San Juan Copala.
Timoteo Ramírez was one of the main leaders of San Juan Copala. Nobody has been brought to justice for these and other killings.
The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples states that “Indigenous peoples have the collective right to live in freedom,
peace and security as distinct peoples and shall not be subjected to any act of […] violence.”
Click here to read more »
Mexico: Landmark Adoption Ruling for Same-Sex Couples
Supreme Court Ruling Follows Decision Upholding Marriage Rights
August 16, 2010
(New York) - The landmark ruling on August 16, 2010, by Mexico's Supreme Court recognizing the right of same-sex couples to adopt
children in Mexico City upholds the core principle of equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in all aspects of
their lives, including family life, Human Rights Watch said today.
Mexico's high court voted 9-2 to guarantee adoption for these couples. Last week it decided in favor of the right to same-sex marriage
and made clear that other states in the country have to recognize the same-sex marriages that take place in Mexico City.
"The Supreme Court's ruling confirms that the state cannot withhold any legal rights on the grounds of a person's sexual orientation and
gender identity," said Juliana Cano Nieto, researcher in the LGBT rights program at Human Rights Watch. "This decision will have
resonance for courts throughout the continent for protecting the basic human rights of LGBT people."
The Supreme Court's decision came in response to a challenge brought by the federal attorney general's office to the December 2009
law in the Mexico City federal district that extended the definition of marriage to include marriage between same-sex couples.
The attorney general's office contended that the law breached the concept of family and the "best interest of the child" guaranteed in the
constitution by allowing LGBT couples to adopt.
The court, however, said that the definition of a family is not restricted to one formed by a man and woman. The court cited the
European Court of Human Rights judgment in E.B. v France, which held that a single lesbian woman could not be denied the right to
adopt a child due to her sexual orientation and reiterated that same-sex couples should have the same rights to adopt as heterosexual
couples and single parents to fully guarantee equality and freedom from discrimination. Finally, it made clear that the "best interest" of
the child is to have a loving family, regardless of the sexes of the family members.
"The Supreme Court's decision is clear cut: prejudice should not interfere in guaranteeing family rights," Cano Nieto said. "The other
states in Mexico should follow suit."
With this decision, Mexico becomes the 11th country in the world to provide LGBT people equal access to marriage, along with the
Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, Spain, Canada, South Africa, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Argentina.
States including Iceland, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom allow same-sex couples to adopt children jointly.
Uruguay allows adoption by same-sex couples joined by a civil union. Denmark, Germany, and Norway permit one lesbian or gay
partner to adopt the other's children.
Click here to read more »
Supreme Court Ruling Follows Decision Upholding Marriage Rights
August 16, 2010
(New York) - The landmark ruling on August 16, 2010, by Mexico's Supreme Court recognizing the right of same-sex couples to adopt
children in Mexico City upholds the core principle of equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in all aspects of
their lives, including family life, Human Rights Watch said today.
Mexico's high court voted 9-2 to guarantee adoption for these couples. Last week it decided in favor of the right to same-sex marriage
and made clear that other states in the country have to recognize the same-sex marriages that take place in Mexico City.
"The Supreme Court's ruling confirms that the state cannot withhold any legal rights on the grounds of a person's sexual orientation and
gender identity," said Juliana Cano Nieto, researcher in the LGBT rights program at Human Rights Watch. "This decision will have
resonance for courts throughout the continent for protecting the basic human rights of LGBT people."
The Supreme Court's decision came in response to a challenge brought by the federal attorney general's office to the December 2009
law in the Mexico City federal district that extended the definition of marriage to include marriage between same-sex couples.
The attorney general's office contended that the law breached the concept of family and the "best interest of the child" guaranteed in the
constitution by allowing LGBT couples to adopt.
The court, however, said that the definition of a family is not restricted to one formed by a man and woman. The court cited the
European Court of Human Rights judgment in E.B. v France, which held that a single lesbian woman could not be denied the right to
adopt a child due to her sexual orientation and reiterated that same-sex couples should have the same rights to adopt as heterosexual
couples and single parents to fully guarantee equality and freedom from discrimination. Finally, it made clear that the "best interest" of
the child is to have a loving family, regardless of the sexes of the family members.
"The Supreme Court's decision is clear cut: prejudice should not interfere in guaranteeing family rights," Cano Nieto said. "The other
states in Mexico should follow suit."
With this decision, Mexico becomes the 11th country in the world to provide LGBT people equal access to marriage, along with the
Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, Spain, Canada, South Africa, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Argentina.
States including Iceland, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom allow same-sex couples to adopt children jointly.
Uruguay allows adoption by same-sex couples joined by a civil union. Denmark, Germany, and Norway permit one lesbian or gay
partner to adopt the other's children.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM SPANISH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR JUAN MANUEL GOMEZ ROBLEDO, SECRETARY FOR MULTILATERAL AFFAIRS AND
HUMAN RIGHTS THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF MEXICO, ON THE DEBATE THE SECURITY COUNCIL ON
THE PROMOTION AND STRENGTHENING THE RULE OF LAW IN THE MAINTENANCE PEACE AND SECURITY
New York, June 29, 2010
b. International justice and the peaceful settlement of disputes
Aware of the difficult historical context in which the United Nations was established, Mexico then stressed the need for a chapter strong
and effective solution settlement of disputes.
Mexico's conviction that inspired the act remains in force in their aspirations, and considers the future and credibility of the UN rest in
strengthening the effect of Chapter VI of the Charter.
The peaceful settlement of disputes is part of our capital and history. Mexico been used several times in the means provided for in Article
33 as part in arbitration or trial before international courts and has had a significant incursion as a promoter of the media in the peaceful
settlement of conflicts in our region.
We therefore believe that the Security Council can play a role fundamental in promoting a fundamental principle of organization: "to
achieve by peaceful means and in accordance with the principles of justice and law international law, adjustment or settlement of
international disputes or situations might lead to a breach of peace. "
This team, required to settle disputes by peaceful means and power Council to encourage, should be run mostly in practice. Particularly
in cases where a dispute has its origin in a different interpretation of the law, the Council can promote a legal solution to investigate a
dispute or a situation under Article 34 of the Charter.
In recent years, we observe a positive tendency to resort mainly to the International Court of Justice, but its potential has not been used
to maximum and its advisory jurisdiction could be mainly used. For many years, Mexico has supported the idea that the Assembly
authorize the Secretary-General General to request advisory opinions on matters relating to their functions to strengthen the role of the
Secretary-General and thereby to the Organization.
Mexico reiterates its call upon States that have not already done so to make declarations accepting the compulsory jurisdiction of the
Court and those who have made reservations for non-technical to consider withdrawing. Members permanent Security Council have a
special responsibility maintenance of international peace and security. Therefore, acceptance them from the compulsory jurisdiction
greatly encourage other states to follow this example of commitment to international justice.
Click here to read more »
STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR JUAN MANUEL GOMEZ ROBLEDO, SECRETARY FOR MULTILATERAL AFFAIRS AND
HUMAN RIGHTS THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF MEXICO, ON THE DEBATE THE SECURITY COUNCIL ON
THE PROMOTION AND STRENGTHENING THE RULE OF LAW IN THE MAINTENANCE PEACE AND SECURITY
New York, June 29, 2010
b. International justice and the peaceful settlement of disputes
Aware of the difficult historical context in which the United Nations was established, Mexico then stressed the need for a chapter strong
and effective solution settlement of disputes.
Mexico's conviction that inspired the act remains in force in their aspirations, and considers the future and credibility of the UN rest in
strengthening the effect of Chapter VI of the Charter.
The peaceful settlement of disputes is part of our capital and history. Mexico been used several times in the means provided for in Article
33 as part in arbitration or trial before international courts and has had a significant incursion as a promoter of the media in the peaceful
settlement of conflicts in our region.
We therefore believe that the Security Council can play a role fundamental in promoting a fundamental principle of organization: "to
achieve by peaceful means and in accordance with the principles of justice and law international law, adjustment or settlement of
international disputes or situations might lead to a breach of peace. "
This team, required to settle disputes by peaceful means and power Council to encourage, should be run mostly in practice. Particularly
in cases where a dispute has its origin in a different interpretation of the law, the Council can promote a legal solution to investigate a
dispute or a situation under Article 34 of the Charter.
In recent years, we observe a positive tendency to resort mainly to the International Court of Justice, but its potential has not been used
to maximum and its advisory jurisdiction could be mainly used. For many years, Mexico has supported the idea that the Assembly
authorize the Secretary-General General to request advisory opinions on matters relating to their functions to strengthen the role of the
Secretary-General and thereby to the Organization.
Mexico reiterates its call upon States that have not already done so to make declarations accepting the compulsory jurisdiction of the
Court and those who have made reservations for non-technical to consider withdrawing. Members permanent Security Council have a
special responsibility maintenance of international peace and security. Therefore, acceptance them from the compulsory jurisdiction
greatly encourage other states to follow this example of commitment to international justice.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM SPANISH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
Number 210
August 2010
NHRC, the defense and protection of migrants in U.S.
The president of the National Commission on Human Rights, Raul Plascencia Villanueva, raised the serious problems faced by indigenous
Mexican and Central American migrants and their communities in the United States of America. Given the increasing flow of Indian
immigrants in the country urged to find effective legal means for their defense and protection, and to review domestic legislation of the
Mexican companies and harmonize them with international instruments in this field. During the inauguration of the lecture "The Defense
of Mexican and Central American Indians in the United States," stressed the need to strengthen the commitment to protect and fulfill
human rights of all people regardless of their nationality and ethnicity.
The National Ombudsman criticized that some countries have ignored the bilateral or multilateral nature of migratory movements and not
to give due attention to the problem.
Click here to read more »
Number 210
August 2010
NHRC, the defense and protection of migrants in U.S.
The president of the National Commission on Human Rights, Raul Plascencia Villanueva, raised the serious problems faced by indigenous
Mexican and Central American migrants and their communities in the United States of America. Given the increasing flow of Indian
immigrants in the country urged to find effective legal means for their defense and protection, and to review domestic legislation of the
Mexican companies and harmonize them with international instruments in this field. During the inauguration of the lecture "The Defense
of Mexican and Central American Indians in the United States," stressed the need to strengthen the commitment to protect and fulfill
human rights of all people regardless of their nationality and ethnicity.
The National Ombudsman criticized that some countries have ignored the bilateral or multilateral nature of migratory movements and not
to give due attention to the problem.
Click here to read more »
TRANSLATED FROM SPANISH BY GOOGLE TRANSLATE
Directorate General of Human Rights Communication
Mexico, D.F., to September 14, 2010
RESPONSIBILITY BETWEEN CITIZENS AND GOVERNMENT, LAW PRINCIPLE OF THE CITY GROUP, GONZALEZ
Placencia HIGHLIGHTS
The city's collective right to democracy requires the steward to the decision-making between the government and society, said the
President of the Human Rights Commission of the Federal District (CDHDF), Luis González Placencia.
During his participation in the XVI Workshop on Good Practices for Ombudsmen in the Local and the Third International Meeting of
Metropolitan Local Ombudsmen, held in Montevideo, Uruguay, said: "It is not possible to speak of democracy or justify it shares
excluded from government decision making to those involved directly and indirectly. "
According to the Ombudsman of the capital, the new relationship between state and society allows the improvement of living standards
through the recovery of individuals and to public policy: of the vulnerable people with rights.
The services provided are provided so as rights (water, energy, environment), and like the lowering of risk, vulnerability and
discrimination are seen as requiring enforcement of the rights to accessibility, housing, work, health and equity.
In his Lecture "New realities, new rights, new challenges", said the city is right to strengthen the mechanisms for citizen participation at
the highest possible level.
In that effort, he added, it is necessary that the government ensure proactive information in accessible language, appropriate consultative
mechanisms, and consider interests, benefits and effects.
And, according to González Placencia, in an inclusive city, the sphere of government must ensure equal access to land, natural
resources, goods and services and urban facilities seeking to reduce economic segregation, social, spatial and ethnic.
From a rights perspective, he said, the priority is "building a paradigm of management and planning more efficient, more humane and
responsive to drop in quality and in the foreground the dignity and purpose and rationale of the administration public.
In that regard, he stressed that the role of National Public Protection of Human Rights have a central role in the design of public policies
to maximize the protection and fulfillment of fundamental rights.
Click here to read more>>
Directorate General of Human Rights Communication
Mexico, D.F., to September 14, 2010
RESPONSIBILITY BETWEEN CITIZENS AND GOVERNMENT, LAW PRINCIPLE OF THE CITY GROUP, GONZALEZ
Placencia HIGHLIGHTS
The city's collective right to democracy requires the steward to the decision-making between the government and society, said the
President of the Human Rights Commission of the Federal District (CDHDF), Luis González Placencia.
During his participation in the XVI Workshop on Good Practices for Ombudsmen in the Local and the Third International Meeting of
Metropolitan Local Ombudsmen, held in Montevideo, Uruguay, said: "It is not possible to speak of democracy or justify it shares
excluded from government decision making to those involved directly and indirectly. "
According to the Ombudsman of the capital, the new relationship between state and society allows the improvement of living standards
through the recovery of individuals and to public policy: of the vulnerable people with rights.
The services provided are provided so as rights (water, energy, environment), and like the lowering of risk, vulnerability and
discrimination are seen as requiring enforcement of the rights to accessibility, housing, work, health and equity.
In his Lecture "New realities, new rights, new challenges", said the city is right to strengthen the mechanisms for citizen participation at
the highest possible level.
In that effort, he added, it is necessary that the government ensure proactive information in accessible language, appropriate consultative
mechanisms, and consider interests, benefits and effects.
And, according to González Placencia, in an inclusive city, the sphere of government must ensure equal access to land, natural
resources, goods and services and urban facilities seeking to reduce economic segregation, social, spatial and ethnic.
From a rights perspective, he said, the priority is "building a paradigm of management and planning more efficient, more humane and
responsive to drop in quality and in the foreground the dignity and purpose and rationale of the administration public.
In that regard, he stressed that the role of National Public Protection of Human Rights have a central role in the design of public policies
to maximize the protection and fulfillment of fundamental rights.
Click here to read more>>
| Click map for larger view |
| Click flag for Country Report |
Felipe de Jesus Calderon Hinojosa
President since 1 December 2006
President since 1 December 2006
| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.
Felipe de Jesus Calderon Hinojosa
President since 1 December 2006
President since 1 December 2006