Constitutional Reform in Mexico Recognizes Indigenous and Afro-Mexican Peoples
The Constitutional Affairs Committee of the Chamber of Deputies in Mexico unanimously approved changes to Article 2 of the Constitution concerning indigenous and Afro-Mexican peoples. These changes still require approval by the Plenary Session of the next legislature, the Senate, and 17 state congresses to become law.
The reform recognizes indigenous peoples and communities as legal entities with their own assets. It promotes the use and preservation of indigenous languages, encourages a multilingual linguistic policy, and allows for the development of educational models that respect cultural diversity. Additionally, the reform empowers indigenous communities to practice and promote traditional medicine and midwifery.
The president of the commission, Juan Ramiro Robledo, stated that these changes are a proclamation of the rights of indigenous peoples and communities and the State’s obligation to respect and recognize their organization and norms.
The reform also recognizes Afro-Mexican communities and includes a section dedicated to women from indigenous and Afro-Mexican peoples and communities.
Some critics argue that the reform falls short of expectations, as it only modifies one article when 15 were originally proposed. The National Coordinator of Indigenous Peoples and Organizations of Mexico expressed concern that the reform is incomplete and does not fulfill the needs of indigenous communities.