Indigenous Congress rejects Mexican government's rights law

The National Indigenous Congress (CNI) has formally rejected the Mexican government's proposed Law of Rights of Indigenous and Afro-Mexican Peoples. During a plenary session marking the organization's 30th anniversary, representatives stated that the destruction of their communities and the occupation of their territories are neither negotiable nor subject to government-led consultation.

The CNI denounced the impact of mega-projects, mining, agribusiness, and energy projects, which they claim threaten sacred sites and water sources. They also highlighted rising concerns regarding organized crime, forced displacement, militarization, and violence against land defenders. The organization criticized current policies for allegedly deepening neoliberalism through laws related to the electrical industry and water management.

In a separate legislative development, the Second Legislative Studies Commission approved a proposal to declare April 10 as the National Day in Defense of Agrarian Rights. The initiative aims to recognize the struggles of farmers and indigenous groups, citing historical significance related to the assassination of Emiliano Zapata and addressing modern challenges such as land tenure insecurity and pressure from private interests.