To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the role that religious leaders play as human rights defenders in Mexico; and what representations he has made to the Government of Mexico on its complying with the recommendations it accepted in the last UN Universal Period Review cycle on ensuring the protection of religious leaders in that country.
Answered on
21 May 2018
The UK recognises the growing threats faced in Mexico by many Human Rights Defenders (HRDs), including those protecting religious freedom. Officials in the Embassy in Mexico City have regular contact with HRDs and Civil Society Organisations that support them. We work with international partners to monitor cases, observe trials and raise issues with the government. We are working closely with the government of Mexico to support a human rights agenda, including tackling corruption and strengthening the legal system, which some reports suggest are contributing factors to the challenges that HRDs face. Over the past four years, UK Ministers and officials at our Embassy in Mexico City have raised our human rights concerns with the Mexican Government and will continue to raise these, including as part of follow up to the last UN Universal Periodic Review.