Mexico Commended for Actions to Eradicate Racial Discrimination

On August 9 in Geneva, Switzerland, consistent with its traditionally active role in defending international human rights, Mexico presented its report on the steps it has taken to eradicate all forms of racial discrimination. The entire Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) commended Mexico for its openness and transparency, and for the collaboration between the Mexican delegation and the Committee. 

The Mexican delegation, headed by the Foreign Ministry's Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights, Martha Delgado, included representatives of the legislative and judicial branches of government, as well as autonomous federal agencies involved with fighting discrimination, to ensure the necessary inter-institutional focus and the best results.

The Mexican delegation also met with civil society organizations to hear their requests. The Foreign Ministry agreed to continue collaborating on social inclusion and to eradicate discrimination.

Mexico was commended for its openness to international scrutiny. The Rapporteur for Mexico, Silvio José Albuquerque, said, “Mexico is one of the few countries in the world that has extended an open invitation to all UN rapporteurs. This attitude must be applauded and commended, as it is a demonstration of transparency.”

Rapporteur María Teresa Verdugo said she appreciated that Mexico uses the report as an opportunity to comprehensively address the problem of discrimination and the challenges to improving the response of the Mexican authorities in the fight against racism.

At the close of the presentation, Mexico was commended for its openness to international scrutiny, and for the trust it places in international multilateral organizations. On behalf of the Mexican government, Martha Delgado reaffirmed Mexico's commitment to multilateralism and the eradication of discrimination. In her concluding remarks, she thanked the UN authorities for their attention to the progress Mexico has made in fighting discrimination, which leads to improved public policies for a more inclusive society.