"UN human rights chief Navi Pillay on Thursday welcomed the enactment of Mexico’s Constitutional Reform on Human Rights, saying it paved the way for greater promotion and protection of internationally recognized human rights in the country.
The reform enacted today by President Calderón gives constitutional status to all human rights that are guaranteed in international treaties to which Mexico is party. This means that individuals are guaranteed the most favourable interpretation of human rights law, including internationally recognized human rights, in all settings. Eleven articles of the Constitution have been amended.
“This is a milestone that is the result of years of hard work and discussion by stakeholders from many different sectors of society: members of the Mexican Congress, Senate, academics and civil society,” the High Commissioner for Human Rights said. She added that the OHCHR office in Mexico has been working closely with various parties on the reform through the years and commends its passage.
“This tangible and positive reform ought to take Mexico towards better and stronger recognition and implementation of the human rights contained in the constitution and international treaties,” Pillay said.
“It should reinforce the universality, indivisibility and interdependence of all human rights and it should help the country address some of the important human rights challenges it is currently facing.”
Pillay cited as important the restrictions that the reform places on the declaration of a state of emergency and the protection of human rights in such circumstances. She also highlighted the strengthened role of the human rights ombudsman and the provisions on rights protection in educational settings and detention centres.
“I am looking forward to my visit to Mexico in July, when I hope to talk more about the reform in the context of the most pressing human rights concerns of the people of Mexico,” the High Commissioner said.

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By Ambassador Muhamed Sacirbey

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