Explicative Guide for the Proposal to the General Law for Indigenous and Afromexican Rights
Much like a maize plant rooted in Mother Earth—drawing its sustenance and nourishment from her—the proposed General Law on the Rights of Indigenous and Afro-Mexican Peoples finds its origin and foundation in the new Article 2 of the Federal Constitution. This article was amended on September 30, 2024, as a result of the national transformation process our country is undergoing.
Just as maize requires its stalk, leaves, and tassels to grow and yield its blessed fruit—the ear of corn—this new constitutional framework requires a General Law to bring the recognized rights to fruition. This Law will serve as the regulatory instrument to develop, establish, and concretize those constitutional principles, always keeping in mind its primary objective: guaranteeing the autonomy, dignity, and well-being of our peoples.
As explained in this booklet, the proposed General Law comprises a section on Preliminary Provisions, eight Books, and a Transitional Regime. It adheres to the structure, form, and order established by the Federal Constitution and, above all, embodies the characteristics of a comprehensive, intercultural law grounded in the principle of legal pluralism.
For this new General Law to fulfill its noble purpose and serve as a truly effective instrument, it must emerge from a process of collective creation. Much like the *tequio* (communal labor) used to build a home or the *gozona* (mutual aid) used to cultivate the *milpa* (cornfield), this Law requires the broadest possible participation from Indigenous and Afro-Mexican Peoples and communities.
A Technical Advisory Committee—composed of 20 women and men with expertise and experience in the field—was established to draft the law, benefiting from the valuable participation of the National Council of Indigenous Peoples, which contributed its voice and proposals. Upholding the Juárez principle that "with the people, everything; without the people, nothing," we place in your hands today this explanatory booklet regarding the proposed General Law on the Rights of Indigenous and Afro-Mexican Peoples. We invite you to review, reflect upon, and discuss it in the context of community life. On this basis, communities can formulate their own opinions and proposals—which should be presented by their legitimate authorities and representatives at the Regional Consultation Assemblies convened by the Government of Mexico.
Through your voices and decisions, this country will finally possess a law recognizing the inalienable rights of Indigenous and Afro-Mexican Peoples—more than 200 years after the Mexican State was founded. Without a doubt, this is a matter of fundamental justice, ensuring that the original inhabitants of these lands hold a fair and dignified place in this great home we call Mexico.
With this Law in hand, the peoples of "Deep Mexico" stand tall today, just as they did during the great moments of our national history—Independence, the Reform, and the Revolution—when they participated courageously and sacrificed their lives to build the Nation. Today, through dialogue, consensus, and reconciliation, and with determination and sacrifice, Indigenous and Afro-Mexican Peoples are contributing their share to the "Fourth Transformation" of national public life while simultaneously rekindling a beacon of hope for all humanity.
Download and read the full Spanish-language booklet here.
