In view of the disturbing events that have occurred in various
municipalities of Chiapas since the morning of January 1, we,
representatives of diverse social organizations, including human
rights, indigenous, and other non-governmental organizations, would
like to present our point of view.
We are among the many civil and popular organizations that have
been working for many years for the well being of the popular
sector and for the construction of democracy using peaceful means
and in accordance with the rule of law. We confirm that the
prevailing conditions for many sectors of the population have been
constantly deteriorating, plunging them into desperation.
Nevertheless, we believe that violence is not the appropriate path
for the resolution of the economic, social and political order that
afflicts the people of Mexico. However, it must be recognized --
with concern -- that some sectors of the impoverished population
could consider that in face of the current conditions there is no
other alternative but violence.
The preceding could indicate that Mexico is entering into a stage
of various kinds of social explosions (of which the events in
Chiapas could be just one manifestation) that would not contribute
to the development of democracy in the country.
We believe that in this difficult situation true information must
not be withheld from the Mexican people, not in order to scandalize
nor to terrorize, but rather to create a favorable atmosphere for
reflection and an in-depth dialogue involving all of society.
It would be most unfortunate if this situation is used as a pretext
to blame those organizations that have been defending the human
rights of indigenous peoples. In this regard, we are very
concerned by the official statement released by the Chiapas
government which intend to implicate the San Cristobal diocese in
the armed uprising. We also believe that this should not be used
as a pretext to assail free expression and development of the
social organizations that legitimately participate in the state of
Chiapas using legal channels.
We exhort the government as well as the EZLN to, at all times,
maintain the observance of the rights of the civil population in
terms of national legislation and international conventions. This
situation must not be utilized to justify military actions that are
outside of Mexican law.
We exhort the Mexican government as well as the EZLN to accept the
mediation offered by the bishops of Chiapas: Samuel Ruiz Garcia,
Felipe Aguirre and Felipe Arizmendi, as that would undoubtedly
contribute to avoiding greater suffering by the civilian population
and could contribute to not prolonging the conflict.
We cannot fail to recognize that up to now, according to available
information, the government has acted with restraint, which we hope
will be maintained in the immediate future.
Lastly, we believe that a broad and calm reflection on these events
offers the occasion to consider an authentic national dialogue that
would result in a true consensus for advancing democracy, having as
a priority the interests of the popular sector.
Academia Mexicana de Derechos Humanos
Central Independiente de Obreros Agricolas y Campesinos
Centro de Derechos Humanos Fray Bartolome de las Casas
Centro de Derechos Humanos Fray Francisco de Victoria
Centro Nacional de Comunicacion Social
Comision Independiente de Derechos Humanos de Morelos
Comision Mexicana de Defensa y Promocion de los Derechos Humanos, A.C.
Convergencia de Organismos Civiles por la Democracia
Departamento de Derechos Humanos de la Arquidiocesis de Mexico
Frente Independiente de Pueblos Indios
Union Campesina Democratica
Frente Autentico del Trabajo
Equipo PUEBLO
4 January 1994