In reference to the complaints made by the Zapatista National Liberation Army (EZLN) about inconveniences they experienced when applying for passports, the Foreign Ministry states that all documents and related procedures for passports are handled with full respect for the dignity and human rights of the applicants.  

Regarding the comments made this morning at the President's press conference, the request will be dealt with immediately according to the applicable legislation and with full respect for human rights.  To address the comments in a timely manner, the ministry needs to review and verify the documents required by the issuing authority and to interview those making the request, based on the applicable regulations. They will be notified promptly of any determination regarding the issuance of their passport.

In this case, and for indigenous groups, the Foreign Ministry is guided by policies based on the pro persona principle, with the aim of respecting traditions and customs while verifying the identity of the applicant. Information about available services is available in the Tzotzil language, which is one of the top 12 dialects in the state of Chiapas.  Currently, 41% of all passports issued in the two offices in Chiapas (Tuxtla Gutiérrez and Tapachula) go to indigenous groups that have been treated with full respect for their human rights.  

The Foreign Ministry emphasizes that the process of issuing passports involves guaranteeing that the applicants are fully documented and recording the nationality and identity of the passport holder for the international community. That is, passports are both a national and international issue.  In addition, passports affect aspects of Mexicans ability to travel worldwide. Therefore, they must include security and authentication measures to protect the passport holder.

The Foreign Ministry reiterates that it is constantly working to find alternative solutions and comprehensive information so that all individuals with the right to a Mexican passport can acquire one free of any discrimination whatsoever. In addition, it reaffirms its commitment to the public to authorize the issuance of all necessary passports, safely, efficiently and with respect for human rights.