Chiapas/International: Civil Organizations Present Main Problems of State to European Union Diplomats

@Frayba

From November 11th to 13th, a group of ambassadors and representatives of the European Union visited Chiapas. Their first stop was in San Cristobal de Las Casas with members of civil society as well as human rights organizations and journalists who exposed the main problems of the state such as migration, remilitarization, forced displacement and the risk faced by women and individuals who defend human rights and the environment, among others.

In this context, they pointed out that, as happened in the 90s, there are fears that the intensification of militarization could favor prostitution, alcoholism and drug use, as well as more human rights violations and social divisions.

They reported that to date close to 14,776 people have been victims of forced displacement and that humanitarian support from the Mexican State has been insufficient and does not solve the underlying problems. They questioned the migration containment strategy on the southern border due to its highly negative impacts on human rights.

Human rights defenders spoke about the situation of insecurity in which they find themselves, in particular those who work in defense of the environment.

They asked the European Embassies to help in the search for solutions to these problems.

The members of the delegation also met with municipal and state authorities. In a press conference, they considered that despite the existing problems, Chiapas is a state with strong potential, particularly in terms of tourism, natural wealth and agriculture.

The European Union emphasized that it is essential to opt for a model of sustainable development and preservation of nature, maintain a good level of security and make progress on issues of social inclusion and human rights: “We are willing to support them and, above all, we are on your side on the immigration issue, we recognize its complexity, you can count on our support.”

For more information in Spanish:

Organizaciones civiles de Chiapas expusieron a embajadores/as de la Unión Europea las principales problemáticas en el estado  (Frayba, 16 de noviembre de 2021)

CHIAPAS y Unión Europea estrechan lazos de cooperación a favor del desarrollo: Rutilio Escandón (El Sol de Chiapas, 13 de noviembre de 2021)

La Jornada – ONG exponen a la UE el deterioro social en Chiapas (La Jornada, 17 de noviembre de 2021)

For more information from SIPAZ: 

National / International: High-level dialogue on human rights resumes between Mexico and the European Union; OSC warn of the serious human rights crisis in Mexico (July 18, 2020)

National/International: Negotiations for New Trade Deal Between Mexico and EU Conclude; European Civil Society Deems it “Deeply Worrying” (May 5, 2020)