Mexico Daily News. (2020, November 14). Mexico ratifies treaty that protects rights of environmental activists. Retrieved November 16, 2020, from https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/treaty-protects-rights-of-environmental-activists/ (Links to an external site.)
The Mexican Senate ratified a treaty that directly connects human rights protections with environmental protections. The ratification of the treaty will allow environmental activists to stall and stop megaprojects promoted by the current Mexican president’s administration as well as provide tools for activists to do so in the future. Additionally, the treaty grants new protections to activists and journalists facing threats based on their work. Mexico is one of the few Latin American countries that have regulations that specifically defend activists. For the treaty to be effective it will require resources, as well as public and government support.
Mexico has been at the forefront of implementing protections for environmental activists, despite the conflict between them and the government and organized gangs recently. The treaty is incredibly important and very helpful to environmental activists. In the past four years, almost 900 socio-environmental conflicts have occurred with over a dozen murders last year alone. Mexico is attempting to grow its GDP by encouraging development that increases economic activity, tourism, and builds infrastructure, but many of their plans have threatened the environment, are unnecessary and ineffective, and do not provide equitable benefits to everyone in society, especially the natives that occupy much of the land that is being developed. The ratification of the treaty represents a new commitment to environmental justice on behalf of the government, not just an important symbolic victory, but a physical one that will better protect activists and land and make sure commercial developments are beneficial to all communities. The protection of the land for the benefit of all individuals relates to conservationism, an environmental movement grounded in environmental science and equity in receiving the benefits of the environment.
This is very great to see that federal governments are looking out for people that are trying to make the world a better place environmentally. Although, Mexico does not have a lot of money they still try their best to help support these individuals
I think this great because it gives new rights to people who want to make change and helps to protect the people wanting to report on this. How effective do you think this will be in the long run?
This is so important s it will protect these doing the work of environmental activism, especially as Mexico is at the forefront of climate change effects. Do you think this will make a real difference?
It is important that governments attempt to protect the rights of environmental activists as they are often targeted, harassed, and worse. I do not know if it will make a real difference, especially considering the massive corruption in the Mexican government and its status as one of the most dangerous countries for journalists and activists, but I hope it does. It is better than not accepting any responsibility to protect these individuals but I believe much more work needs to be done.