A new report by CSW highlights ongoing violations of the right to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) in Mexico, including certain religious communities being denied access to utilities such as water, impacting their ability to prevent transmission of COVID-19 at a time when the Mexican government is facing criticism of its efforts to contain the coronavirus.

The report, entitled ‘A culture of impunity: religious discrimination in Mexico,’ contends that violations to the right to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) are a common and widespread occurrence in certain regions across Mexico. It draws attention to violations against indigenous religious minority communities in the states of Chiapas, Guerrero, Hidalgo and Oaxaca. The report also outlines the continued impact of escalating violence on religious leaders in the country.

Violations are often prompted when individuals convert from the majority religion or refuse to participate in activities associated with the religion, including festivals. The majority of these cases included either threats, illegal fines or arbitrary detention. The report also highlights that 38 children remain without access to education because of the religious beliefs of their parents. 

Many religious minority communities also continue to be denied access to basic services such as water and electricity. As the world seeks to tackle the spread of COVID-19, there are concerns that these minority communities lack the basic defense to prevent transmission of the disease.

CSW’s Chief Executive Mervyn Thomas said: “In releasing this report, we stand with religious minority communities suffering violations against their right to freedom of religion or belief in Mexico and affirm their calls for their rights to be respected. No one should be at risk of losing their homes, livelihood or education on account of their religion or belief. We continue to call on the Mexican authorities to fulfil its obligations to uphold this vital right for all citizens, as guaranteed in its constitution.”

The report also reveals the significant impact that increased violence in Mexico has had on the right to FoRB and the right to freedom of expression, noting that religious leaders working at migrant shelters are increasingly vulnerable. Religious leaders who run migrant shelters on the US-Mexico border have been targeted with kidnapping, assault and extortion. In addition, there are now serious concerns that those in the shelters are highly vulnerable to COVID-19.

Mervyn Thomas added: “The situation for all religious minority communities and religious leaders in Mexico remains a cause for concern. It is exacerbated by government inaction, or inadequate action, which has entrenched impunity. Beyond intermittent verbal condemnations, little has been done to address violence and violations against religious minority communities and religious leaders. The international community must recognise the reality for religious groups and do everything in its power to ensure that the government upholds FoRB for all in Mexico, including by raising the cases contained in this report at every opportunity.”

Note to editors:

1.       Click here to read the full report