The United Mexican States
Page 1
UNITED MEXICAN STATES’ POSITION PARPER
I. General Statements
The United Mexican States is honored to participate in this year’s Summit of the Americas; as all member states unite once more, with the unifying purpose of bettering the quality of life within the hemisphere. As a founding member of the Organization of American States (OAS), the United Mexican States is wholeheartedly committed to the mission of the OAS. Mexico is conscience of the pivotal role the OAS plays in addressing the arcane conundrums that are unique to its member states. The Mexican Delegation exalts and extols each and every present member state for their willingness and diplomatic assertiveness in cementing democratic ideals, strengthening and consolidating foreign and domestic affairs. In light of this, Mexico seeks fortifying the much need exhaustive multilateral diplomatic collaboration; not only reassuring the sovereignty of each individual state but to give warrant of the equitable role each state holds.
Moreover, Mexico under the administration of President Pena Nieto, is currently fully emerged in not only guaranteeing but protecting and consolidating the rights of his constituents. In particular, the Mexican delegation is concerned upon the infringement of rights of those whom are vulnerable. Therefore, agencies such as Comission de SaludPublica y Assistencia Social whose role is incorporate individuals with disabilities to society, are just the first step.[i] Workers’ rights is a correspondingly hotheaded issue and Mexico does not understate it.
Nevertheless, there are issues that trespass our borders and require immediate attention of more than one member state. Organized crime, perhaps is singly the biggest issue within the hemisphere. Mexico pursuits during this summit to amalgamate the individual state necessities into a powerful tool to combat these entities. On the other hand, the present threat of nuclear power has recently become a concern and the Mexican delegation will not stand cross handed. The United Mexican States hopes to reach as conscious on the respective use and appropriation of nuclear power; being a state that has the capacity to attain it yet, chooses to abstain. In continuation, democracy is a key element of the OAS. With this in mind, Mexico plans to expand democracy through the use of technology and education. These two elements have become the cornerstone of the 21st century, thus, making the essential in the spread of democracy.
II. Particular Statements
A. Committee: General Committee (GC)
Topic A: Strengthening and Improving the Reach of the Inter-American Convention against Racism
The United Mexican States, under the leadership of President Enrique Pena Nieto is currently combating one of the biggest issues that hinders the potential of the Western hemisphere: racism. Mexico created the Consejo Nacional Para Prevenir la Discriminación on April 29, 2003 under the Ley Federal Para Prevenir la Discriminación.[ii] This federal government institution was created to serve as an organ of social reform and advocacy of racial and social integration. Furthermore, the current Mexican administration created thePrograma Nacional para la Igualdad y No Discriminaciónto ensure that all federal institutions are compliant with Article 1 of the Constitution and punishes all organs of the federal government whom execute, tolerate or promote discriminatory practices.[iii]
Under the OAS Charter, Chapter VII, Article 45 subsection A, “All human beings [are entitled to], without distinction as to race, sex, nationality, creed, or social condition, have a right to material well-being and to their spiritual development, under circumstances of liberty, dignity, equality of opportunity, and economic security”.[iv] The United Mexican States commends the efforts of the Organization of American States (OAS) towards the eradication of racism through the creation of the Inter-American Convention against Racism, Radical Discrimination and Related Intolerance on June 5th 2013. Nevertheless, only 12 countries (Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, Haití, Panamá, Perúand Uruguay) out of the 35 member states signed treaty A-68. Even more alarming than this minimal amount of support is the fact that only Costa Rica and Uruguay have signed, ratified and declared it. The lack of integration and collaboration from fellow member states demoralizes the intended purpose of A-68 and makes it a futile document.[v]
Mexico’s objective in the upcoming Summit of the Americas is to urge the participation of all member states in the Inter-American Convention Against Racism. The recent rise of discriminatory crimes is a wakeup call that demands the immediate attention of the OAS. If needed, an amendment (addition) can be made to A-68 in order to facilitate its adoption and to meet the rigorous demands of all OAS members; thus, making the participation of all member states unquestionable.
Topic B: Achieving More Equitable Inclusion and Participation in the OAS among All States of the Hemisphere
The United Mexican States wholeheartedly upholds the principlesfor which the OAS stands for, stated in the preamble and in Chapter 1, Article 1-2 of the OAS Charter.[vi]The Western hemisphere shares countless social-cultural similarities; hence, issues within and between states are akin.Multilateral diplomatic cooperation is of paramount importance in furtherance of the success of the intended purpose of the OAS; ergo, exhaustive collaboration which encompasses all states within the western hemisphere is incontestable and indispensable.
The Inter-American Council for Integral Development (CIDI), is an organization under the OAS created to “promote cooperation among its Member States for the furtherance of integral development”.[vii] In addition, its auxiliary organ, the Inter-American Agency for Cooperation and Development (IACD), was founded with “the principal purpose to promote, coordinate, manage and facilitate the planning and execution of programs, projects and activities”.[viii] The delegation of Mexico urges the current member states to set forth a resolution which will appeal to those states who are currently undergoing turmoil, such as the availability of a quota forbearance program. Moreover, as a member state of the Management Board of IACD, Mexico recognizes the significance of a thorough egalitarian inclusion of all Member States within the decision-making-process between IACD and CIDI.
B. Executive Secretariat for Integral Development (SEDI)
Topic A: Promotion of the Rights of People in Vulnerable Situations
The United States of Mexico, is a strong advocate for rights of people in vulnerable situations. Mexico believes that each human being should have the same rights regardless of race, sex, origin, religion, and other characteristics.[ix] Mexico has several laws and institutions throughout the country, which protect and empower people in vulnerable situations. For example, in the state of Aguascalientes, there is the Commision de SaludPublica y Asistencial Social, aiding its citizens in whatever they need without discrimination.
This commission protects and integrates people with disabilities to society.[x] Derechos humanos, is present in every city of the Mexican territory, and never stops working to ensure that the rights of every citizen are protected. Their members work day and night, and even on holidays. The FiscaliaEspecializada Para la Attencion de losDelitosElectorales (FEPADE) tackles not only electoral crime, but also focuses on protecting vulnerable people in becoming victims of those who prey on them for electoral gain.[xi] However, one of the most vulnerable groups of people are those who live in rural areas. The rural population does not have the same access to services, such as health care and can be manipulated by vote in certain ways by granting them food items or trinkets.[xii] President Pena Nieto, takes this issue to heart and has vowed to combat it to the core.
There is also a group that is at the mercy of drug cartels, they do not receive the same protection. These are the low-security criminals that is incarcerated with more dangerous and powerful drug cartel members. Since there is not enough space in high security prisons, these criminals are placed with less dangerous criminals.[xiii] In recent years, the so called “self-government” in prisons has grown to dangerous levels.
The prison population faces harassments, humiliations, and are forced to work for the cartel. Instead of a rehabilitation, these people are oppressed and or sometimes turned into dangerous criminals. Not to mention the huge revenues the cartel receives from the variety of taxes they illicitly impose on goods for inmates inside the jail.[xiv]
Mexico strongly believes that this issue should be immediately resolved, and with that, it will propose a resolution in the upcoming OAS general meeting. The government believes that human rights organizations should have more power in ensuring the well-being of prisoners. Also, that drug cartel members should be separated from the general population. It also intends to encourage the construction of new high-security prisons throughout the member states. Furthermore, the Mexican delegation is currently evaluating different programs to be implemented to rehabilitate, and protect low security-risk prisoners.
Topic B: Public Policies for Improving Workers' and Employers' Rights
Under the OAS Charter in chapter VII, Article 45, section B, it is stated that “Work is a right and social duty, it gives dignity to the one who performs it.”[xv] Mexico prioritizes workers by establishing a secure environment, thus creating better productivity. Ultimately, this increases growth opportunities for workers in their respective fields. Nevertheless, Mexico believes that the current state of worker’s rights across the hemisphere can be improved.
The delegation of Mexico truly believes that creating jobs should be one of the priorities of the Organization of American States. Unfortunately, it also understands that before new job opportunities are created throughout the Western hemisphere, the current conditions that employers and workers face must be addressed. In accordance to one of the OAS’s four pillars: human rights; this delegation is focused on improving working conditions for millions of workers throughout the member states may it be through the efforts of labor unions, the overall improvement of infrastructure, the eradication of any type of discrimination in the workforce, and the elimination of child labor.
While the pursuit of the qualities mentioned above are certainly the main requisite needed to make an improvement in the working conditions of millions across the Western hemisphere, another galvanizing factor is the mentality of many citizens of our member states. Many believe that working at a young age develops character and grants an individual with several characteristics that simply are not available in schools. While working at a young age certainly cements character and teaches qualities such as responsibility and organization, education is one of the only assets that translates to the success and prosperity of our member states in the future.
C. Secretariat for Multidimensional Security (SMS)
Topic A: New Programs to Help Combat or Prevent Transnational Organized Crime
The United Mexican States stands, without equivocation, by the OAS’s commitment to halt the increasing conflict of transnational organized crime within the western hemisphere. Mexico, aware of the OAS resolution titled,Hemispheric Plan of Action Against Transnational Organized Crime (TOC), applauds the provided structure for “cooperation among member states within the domestic legal framework, the rule of law, and multilateral cooperation”.[xvi]Thereupon, Mexico, cognizant of the recent UNESCO report, The Social and Economic Impact of Drug Trafficking”, is apprehensive of the current standing legal framework and looks forward to reach a unanimous legal consensus.[xvii]
Mexico recognizes the hierarchical system within entities of organized crime; meaning that the removal of the head of a given group will not halt but briefly slow its operational efficiency. New leaders quickly tend to emerge, while in some instances the “true head” still commands from prison (e.g. Zetas Cartel). In consequence, the delegation of Mexico requests to reach under a unanimous consent, a resolution which will provide a blueprint that assesses the legal conundrums that arise from the dismantlement of such entities. Under the TOC Resolution Mexico respectfully urges, without the infringement of individual state sovereignty, the upbringing of legislative measures that cater to each individual state’s necessities. With the purpose of stricter judicial punishments for organized crime group leaders. Consequently, the call for the allocation of man power, through the creation of a specialized investigation agency that will strike and apprehend the source which feeds these groups financially stability and governmental influence.
Topic B: Strengthening and Increasing Hemispheric Agreements on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation
Chapter II, Article III subsection H of the OAS charter states “An act of aggression against one of the American state is an act of aggression against all the other American States”[xviii]The United Mexican States believes nuclear arms are a significant threat not only to the OAS member states, but the whole word. The delegation of Mexico looks to strengthen policies that will ensure that nuclear material used for weapons is highly regulated and monitored across each OAS member state. Mexico has a no nuclear weapons, therefore, is heavily interested in this aspect. Nevertheless, the United Mexican States are capable to construct nuclear weapons, yet, it chooses to abstain. In turn, the delegation of Mexico sees nuclear power as an opportunity to improve the lives of the citizens in themember states of the OAS, rather than the mal-appropriation of nuclear resources through the creation weapons, which ultimatelyleave irreversible consequences.
Mexico also believes that states or corporations who are found transporting unauthorized nuclear technology, should be sanctioned and be placed under heavy surveillance. In addition, the delegation of Mexico believes that the OAS member states should have other OAS member’s states monitor their nuclear facilities to ensure transparency and safety tothe western hemisphere. Mexico is strongly against the creationof nuclear weapons and is willing to help other OAS member states who wish to reduce and control the creation the nuclear weapons within their state.
Mexico takes to heart Chapter I, Article I subsection A of the OAS Charter declares “to strengthen the peace and security of the continent.”[xix] By placing new policies and procedures this can ultimately be achieved. The delegation of Mexico wants to ensure a safe future, free from the imminent threat of nuclear hostility and the environmental conundrums that arise from the creation of nuclear power.
D. Committee: Secretariat for Strengthening Democracy (SSD)
Topic A: Strengthening and Modernizing Management Mechanisms at the Municipal Level
Making steps towards an improved and more accessible democratic system is always a priority for the Mexican Government. Keeping in mind that technology has become a substantial part of the everyday life of citizens in the American States,this delegation believes the implementation of technology in the democratic process is imperative for a more reliant, honest and cost effective municipal management. Technology is changing people; this means government should also change for the wellbeing of their citizens. If localities wish to serve their people in the best way possible, municipalities simply have to adapt to the 21st century.
The Mexican delegation firmly believes that the strength of a nation resides in their people. A program of incentives will be implemented to those who seek to be active citizens. No other demographic knows technology better that the young citizens; thus, focusing in the youth is key for this program to be as productive as possible. A digital reformation of already established methods such as record keeping, workers identification, faster access to municipal services, instant communication with public workers and public servants will be implemented as well as a virtual system that identifies citizens from all background and instructs them how they can help their municipal localities.This delegation hopes that the rest of the hemisphere will adapt a similar system for the betterment of their own municipalities.[xx]
The Mexican Delegation is proud to be working side by side with the great nations of this hemisphere and hopes to achieve great success in this year summit; always keeping in mind that as representatives, the final goal will always be a better condition of life for the people of this hemisphere.
Topic B: New Programs for the Inter-American Program on Education for Democratic Values and Practices
As displayed in Chapter VII, Article 48, of the Charter “Integral Development,” “The Member States will cooperate with one another to meet their educational needs, to promote scientific research, and to encourage technological progress for their integral development. They will consider themselves individually and jointly bound to preserve and enrich the cultural heritage of the American peoples.”[xxi]Through the set standards implemented by the Organization of American States that strengthen and enforce the necessity for democracy, Mexico echoes the sentiment of the OAS’s principle in the fundamentality of education due to the fact that in its own constitution, Mexico recognizes that the presence of democracy must be instilled in the minds of new and forthcoming generations through education. As conditioned in Article 3 of the Mexican Constitution: “The education imparted by the Federal State shall be designed to develop harmoniously all the faculties of the human being and shall foster in him at the same time a love of country and a consciousness of international solidarity, in independence and justice.”[xxii]
Hence, the Delegation of Mexico has engaged in combating its internal conflict of not providing its national education system with the adequate resources needed in order to fulfill its duty. As it is, not only Mexico recognizes the lack of properties needed to enhance the learning of democracy within La SecretaríaEducaciónPública (SEP), the delegation additionally foresees that national problems could be prevented if the youth of the nation was better informed and cultivated in the democratic values established by their country. For instance, “only 16.6% of the Federal Executive Secretaries are women in position”[xxiii] and “electoral turnouts have declined since a record 77% in the 1994 presidential elections, to 58.6% in the 2000 presidential election and just 44.2% in the 2009 legislative elections.”[xxiv] These complications, may at first, not be perceived to be a part of the education system. Nevertheless, these concerns can be traced back to the education system due to the fact that most of the young adults and adults did not have the sufficient schooling on the matters of democracy. The Delegation of Mexico not only realizes the solidification of democracy in its own state as a matter that should be taken account for, but sees it fit with other OAS delegates to also address this issue in their respective states in order to avoid grander issues as such.