HRCttee: Human rights concerns in the United Mexican States

Introduction

1. CSW (Christian Solidarity Worldwide) is a human rights organisation specialising in the right to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB). CSW wishes to bring the following concerns and recommendations to the Committee’s attention, in reference to Mexico. This submission draws on CSW’s research and detailed witness testimonies, and considers Mexico’s current commitments to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), with a particular focus on Article 18.

Background

2. Article 1 of Mexico’s constitution prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion and Article 24 guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief to all citizens, stating: ‘Everyone is free to embrace the religion of his choice and to practice all ceremonies, devotions, or observances of his respective faith, either in places of public worship or at home, provided they do not constitute an offense punishable by law.’

3. Mexico ratified the ICCPR on 23 March 1981. However, violations of the right to FoRB have occurred for decades in many states. A concomitant longstanding impunity in religion-related violence, the Law of Uses and Customs and a lack of understanding of FoRB has created an enabling environment for the regular violations against the right to FoRB.

Click here to read the full submission to the 127th session of the Human Rights Committee (PDF).