VP/HR — The situation of Christians in Mexico
4.7.2018
Question for written answer E-003690-18
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 130
Jonathan Arnott (EFDD)
The recent Mexican presidential election was won by a candidate standing on an anti-corruption platform.
Organised crime has an extensive control over Mexican society, impacting people’s everyday lives and their fundamental rights and freedoms. For instance, despite Article 24 of the Mexican Constitution recognising the right to freedom of religion, organised crime severely impacts the religious freedoms and practices of Mexican citizens.
Actively practising Christians are particularly vulnerable because their faith is not compatible with the ideals and practices of organised crime, such as corruption and money laundering.
Drug cartels fear that Christians will influence the community to oppose their activities; consequently, violence is used as a regular means to restrict Christians’ freedom of religion and freedom of assembly[1].
Is the Commission aware of the situation?
Does the Commission recognise the vulnerability of Christians in a context of organised crime?
What steps does the VP/HR plan to take to assist the Mexican Government in promoting state reforms aimed at strengthening the rule of law and respect for religious freedom?
- [1] http://opendoorsanalytical.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/MEXICO-WWR-COUNTRY-DOSSIER-May-2018.pdf