UPDATE II: Building Bridges – High Profile International Visits To Chiapas

In recent months, a great number of international representatives have arrived in Chiapas: experts from the United Nations; the ambassadors of Germany, England and Japan; European parliamentarians; US Congresspeople; etc. Many have wanted to expand their agenda to include other types of contacts than those planned by the state and federal governments. Several of them have asked SIPAZ to share our analysis with them and to help them with the planning of their schedule, especially contacts with non-governmental representatives and visits to indigenous communities. As the German Ambassador Wolf Ruthart Born and the First Secretary from the US Embassy, Brian Nichols, observed, it’s about knowing all points of view – official, business, religious, as well as that of indigenous and mestizo (mixed race) civil society – in order to better understand the context and the Chiapas conflict and thus better inform their governments.Local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have interpreted the increase in high-profile visits in large part as a consequence of the Mexican government’s loss of credibility with international authorities.

They also indicate that beyond a deep concern for the human rights situation, there may be a more pragmatic interest in investment conditions in the region, since Chiapas is an attractive state in that regard. Nevertheless they still consider this influx as a valuable opportunity to give another version of events. Another factor that, according to the Mexican NGOs, has influenced these visits is the increasingly clear and more strategic pressure of their counterparts – solidarity groups and churches in other countries- on their own governments.

In the framework of the ratification of the Free Trade Agreement with the European Union and the existence of a clause regarding democracy and human rights as an integral part of this treaty, the non-governmental organizations see a particular opportunity to lobby the embassies of the countries that make up the European Union.Indigenous communities that have had the opportunity to interact with the official representatives also value their willingness to speak with them. “The Bees” who received the German Ambassador in February and the English Ambassador in March, commented to SIPAZ: “The government has limited us, blocking our way. But because of those who invite us or come to visit, the road is opened. Our heart is strengthened, knowing that our word is spreading around the world.”Similarly, last February Gautier Mignot, First Secretary of the French Embassy, came to Chiapas to award a Special Mention to the Coordinator of Indigenous Social Organizations Xi’Nich. This award from France recognizes the work of various organizations and people around the world for their defense and promotion of human rights. In the award ceremony, the leaders of Xi’Nich gave thanks for the presence of Mignot and for France’s recognition of their work, in contrast to the governmental persecution and harassment to which the organization has been subject during its eight years of existence. As to how the diplomats perceive their role, the German Ambassador stated: “I am here to encourage relations between our two countries. Chiapas is not an obstacle to that friendship with Mexico. It is a question of indigenous and human rights, and we have to talk about it with much respect.” He hopes that, thanks to this respect, the touchiness of the Mexican government in respect to international observation might be reduced. “It’s a learning process on both sides,” he added.Because of their eagerness to speak with all sides, these actors may create bridges between the reality of Chiapas and that of their countries, as well contribute to dialogue in Mexico.