POSITION PAPER

COMMITTEE : GENERAL ASSEMBLY

TOPIC : ETHNIC AND RELIGIOUS CONFLICTS.
COUNTRY : UNITED MEXICAN STATES
Standing at the dawn of the 21st century ,a glance at the course of the time apprise us of how the
human race has flourished and made its way from the caves to the present day modern states
.The journey has been full of strife ,struggle and conflicts that stem as ramifications of
incongruity of interest ,aspirations and behaviors. A deeper analysis suggests that religion and
ethnicity have remained at the core of much of the strife and have served as the latent source for
religious, ethno-nationalism often adulterated with extremism and intolerance towards other
communities. Therefore, Mexico firmly believes that it is pertinent for a state to have an effective
mechanism to negate any communal polarization and to foster a sense of pluralism and equality
before law laden with concerted efforts to reduce the chasm of distrust and hostility among
different communities, ethnic groups and religions.
The United Mexican States is deeply concerned about the recent incidents of intolerance,
discrimination and violence against persons based on religion or ethnicity in all regions of the
world. Mexico has deep rooted belief in its constitution that has evolved as a result of endeavor
to safeguard human values and freedom .The Mexican constitution explicitly gives the citizens
the right to freedom of religion. Article 24 of the constitution clearly underlines that Every man
is free to pursue the religious belief that best suits him, and to practice its ceremonies, devotions
or cults, as long as they do not constitute a crime. Congress cannot dictate laws that establish or
abolish any given religion. To cultivate a temper of respect and tolerance towards other
communities and stop negative stereotyping of religion Mexico pushes for a secular education
system that would facilitate the fight against ignorance, fanaticism and prejudices existing in the
society (Article 3). Mexico reckons that for a pluralistic society to prevail it is imperative to
prevent the political polarization of communities and in order to ensure the same, Mexico assert
that the religious institution and state must remain separate. The constitution bars members of the
clergy from holding public office, advocating partisan political views, supporting political
candidates, or opposing the laws or institutions of the state (Article 130). The federal government
coordinates religious affairs through the Secretariat of Government. The General Directorate for
Religious Associations (DGAR) promotes religious tolerance through public information
campaigns and conflict mediation and investigates cases of religious intolerance. Mexico is
committed to reconcile the denitive secularization of our society with eective religious
freedom.
Fully aware of the exigencies of the modern world to work in tandem with the international
community,The Mexican United States reaffirms its faith in the UN Charter which clearly calls

for international cooperation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural,

or humanitarian character, and in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and for
fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language, or religion (Article
1.3). Mexico further reaffirms its commitment to the principle of universal respect and
observance of human rights and fundamental freedom for all without distinction of religion and
ethnicity (Article 55. C). Mexico is party to UDHR ( Universal Declaration Of Human Rights)
and ICCPR ( International Convention On Civil and Political Rights) which are putatively the
cornerstone and beacon of freedom, justice and peace and therefore it is bound by belief of
equality in terms of religion and ethnicity (Article 2 UDHR ,ICCPR ). Conforming to the Article
18 of UDHR and ICCPR , Mexico believes that everyone has the right to freedom of thought,
conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom,
either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or
belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance. Being a party to ICCPR Mexico respects
and translates into reality the clauses of Article 26, which clearly states that all persons are equal
before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to the equal protection of the law and
Article 27, which empowers the ethnic minorities and gives them equal rights of practicing
,observing and professing their culture.
Mexico believes in international co-operation and formation of collaborative networks for
creation of appropriate mechanism to identify and address potential areas of tension between
different religious and ethnic groups , Expresses deep concern at the continued serious instances
of derogatory stereotyping, negative profiling and stigmatization of persons based on their
religion or belief, as well as programmes and agendas pursued by extremist organizations and
groups aimed at creating and perpetuating negative stereotypes about religious groups, in
particular when condoned by Governments. The peaceful co existence of a society necessitates
the formulation of laws and regulations that ensure equal distribution of rights and resources to
every citizen irrespective of his / her ethnicity .Measures must be evolved to ensure no
discrimination by government functionaries in the conduct of their duties and encouraging the
training of government officials in effective outreach strategies. Mexico firmly believes in a
secular government and an education system of secular nature which ought to aim at fostering
social, religious harmony and pluralism. Mexico is of the opinion that any incitement to
imminent violence on the basis of belief or religion must be criminalized . There ought to be
constructive debates and inter cultural projects sponsored by the government . The states must
be engaged in consultations with the leaders of the ethnic groups to ascertain the reasons of
distrust among the communities. Mexico pushes for laws to restrict any advocacy of religious
hatred and communal polarization of political or non political nature by use of print, audio
visual or electronic digital media. The Mexican United States understands the need to combat
denigration and negative stereotyping of religion by strategizing and harmonizing actions at
local, national ,regional and international level through, inter-alia, education and awareness
building.