A/HRC/11/27
Page 19
81.
Ecuador requested further information on the situation of migrant workers, in particular
undocumented migrants, taking into consideration the concerns of the Special Rapporteur on the
human rights of migrants and of the Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant
Workers and Members of Their Families. It noted that the High Commissioner for Human Rights
positively assessed Mexico’s international efforts in support of the rights of migrant workers.
82.
Responding to questions, Mexico said that domestic violence is a ground for divorce in
all states’ civil codes and is an offence in 29 states. Mexico will continue harmonizing legislation
throughout the country. Mexico’s commitment to combat gender violence is also reflected in its
support for the establishment of regional mechanisms for the protection of women. Following
recommendations from CEDAW, Mexico promulgated the General Act on Equality between
Women and Men. The Government’s policy on gender equality is coordinated by the National
Institute for Women (INMUJERES).
83.
Regarding murders of women in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico stressed that the Prosecutor’s
Office of the state of Chihuahua is conducting investigations with highly trained staff. Two
crime laboratories have been set up in Ciudad Juárez and one in the city of Chihuahua to
facilitate identification of the victims through genetic methods. Of the cases, 45 per cent have
been resolved, 16 per cent are pending and 33 per cent remain under investigation.
84.
Mexico’s policy on the rights of the child is based on the interrelatedness of all human
rights and aims at ensuring durable solutions. This approach involves a high degree of
cooperation between the different branches of the Government, cooperation that is reflected in
the policies concerning migrant children.
85.
The delegation expressed its deep concern with regard to child labour, mentioning that
3.6 million children aged between 5 and 15 are working in various sectors in Mexico. It stressed
that the Government’s policies and programmes have benefited more than 300,000 children and
have helped to reduce cases of child labour by 17 per cent.
86.
The indigenous population has the same rights as all other members of the nation.
According to the Mexican Constitution, indigenous peoples also enjoy specific rights based on
their cultural differences.
87.
The National Programme for the Development of Indigenous Peoples contains specific
goals reflecting the Government's aims in overcoming the social, environmental and
development difficulties of indigenous peoples.
88.
The delegation recalled that, following the constitutional reform in 2001, the collective
rights of indigenous peoples were recognized, particularly the rights to self-determination,
autonomy as well as access to justice.
89.
Bilingual education has been provided to indigenous children since the 1970's. The
delegation also noted that the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
has been translated into 20 languages.
90.
In conclusion, the delegation stated that Mexico has passed from having 64 million
inhabitants, or 64 per cent of the population below the poverty line in 1996, to 43 per cent
nowadays. Extreme poverty was reduced from 37 million to 14 million during the same period.
Mexico’s commitment to social policy was reflected both in terms of the resources devoted to
this, as well as the strategy implemented. The federal budget dedicated to social policy in 2000
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