Christian Solidarity Worldwide has released a report labelling the rise in religious freedom violations in Mexico as "deeply worrying".
The report was released on 10 December, which also marked International Human Rights Day, and was presented to Mexican federal and state government officials by CSW's partner organisation in the region, Impulso18.
The report points to government inaction and the Law of Uses and Customs, which gives significant autonomy to indigenous communities, as factors contributing to religious discrimination across the country, despite the Mexican constitution guaranteeing freedom of religion or belief to all its citizens.
"In practice religious freedom violations are a common occurrence in certain regions," the report states.
"Many violations occur with impunity because of reluctance on the part of the state to involve itself in 'religious affairs' or to prosecute those responsible for criminal acts linked to religious freedom violations."
"The strict distance between state and religion has frequently extended to failing to protect actively the individual's right to religious freedom."
In addition, because they are granted the freedom to do so by the law, it is not uncommon for local leaders to force members of their communities to follow certain religious practices, "compelling [them] to participate in the religious activities of the majority or face punishment". Keep reading
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