Monday, June 28, 2010
Challenges
of Mexico-U.S. Insecurity and Violence
Amb.
Carlos Pascual
(Remarks: as prepared)
It is a great honor for me to be here today with
Secretary Gomez-Mont, Attorney General Chavez and Governor Peņa Nieto to inaugurate the 3rd conference of the National Association
of Civic Participation Councils. I would like to thank our host, Mr. Marcos Fastlicht, for the kind invitation to participate
in this important event. Thank you for the attention you are focusing today on civil society, the role of journalists
and the challenges of insecurity and violence faced by journalists.
Last year I was fortunate to participate in the inauguration
of the 2nd ANCPC Forum in Veracruz that assembled citizen participation councils and media representatives to encourage a
partnership with civil society for responsible media coverage. By the end of the two-day forum, the ANCPC signed an
agreement with more than forty media representatives from every state in attendance. The “Carta de Compromiso
de Boca del Rio” describes what can be: a threat free environment in which journalist can operate independently, thoroughly
investigating and responsibly reporting on authorities, criminals, and politics without fear of retribution. Some representatives
of civil society also signed the Carta to partner with the media to share information of social progress and promote victims’
rights. The media has the power to help the government be closer to its people. And the media also has the power
to help citizens understand government’s actions.
This forum will provide the opportunity to discuss
the media’s role in the fight against organized crime and its contribution to the development of a stronger civil society.
President Calderon’s recent visit to the United States demonstrated the excellent and expanding cooperation between
our two nations. Based on a partnership of mutual respect, common interests and shared responsibility, the United States
and Mexico stand firmly together against organized crime, and standup for the security of our people. We also share
a common vision that a well informed citizenry is essential for a strong and vibrant democracy. As President Obama stated
during their visit at the White House, Mexico can count on the United States as a full partner in this effort.
The media plays a vital role in a healthy democratic
society like Mexico. Unfortunately, there are criminals in both our countries that threaten the safety and security
of those reporting on violent and illicit activity in order to silence their voices. Despite innumerable challenges,
there are courageous journalists and bloggers, who, at great risk to themselves, work to shine a light on issues that affect
our communities. The National Human Rights Commission has documented 61 assassinations of journalists and 11 disappearances
since 2000. This year alone, there have already been four reporters killed. The loss of lives has captured the
world’s attention because it reminds us of how essential a free press is, and that there are those who would go to any
length to silence it.
From his first days in office, President Calderon has
promoted justice and security by confronting organized crime. Institutions and security forces are being reorganized
and strengthened. The budget of the SSP has tripled; increasing the size of the police force with young officers that
are honest, better trained, better paid, and better equipped to provide security to the Mexican people. There have been
notable successes in disrupting drug cartels that lurk in the shadows and operate outside of the law. Yet, there is
much work to be done. We need to continually stay ahead of the cartels and impede their ability to operate and prosper.
The media and civil and society must be part of this process. Without their participation, our countries cannot succeed.
The Mexican police system has an estimated 516,820
officers and a budget of $15 billion pesos annually. With each level of government commanding its own police force,
the Mexican system has many layers with sometimes overlapping jurisdictions. President Calderon has taken important
steps to streamline and consolidate the police force by introducing legislation that would unify the police systems into a
single force. Police reforms include the state-level effort “Mando Unico,” which establishes a basis for
the cooperation among all state and municipal police institutions and harmonizes the police certification criteria for the
country. “Mando Unico” would consolidate municipal and state police forces under the direction of the state
executive for better and more effective coordination in addressing state level crimes, which account for 95% of criminal offenses
in Mexico.
Both of our governments also recognize the need to
have a dependable criminal justice system that can prevent drug cartels or anyone else from acting with impunity. In
2008, Mexico passed a ground-breaking constitutional amendment that mandates the reformation of the criminal justice system
– moving away from the written, inquisitorial form of justice to an oral, adversarial one. The reforms continue
to strengthen the police, mandate the presumption of innocence, and institute evidenced-based oral trials. Once fully
implemented, the reform will offer greater transparency and improve public confidence in the rule of law. But considerable
progress has already been made. The new criminal justice system helped Chihuahua prioritize its caseload and focus on
the senseless death of 15 teenagers last January, bringing the first suspects to trial in less than two months time.
And the media has an important responsibility in this process by providing in-depth, quality reporting with timely information.
The press is a central vehicle to empower citizens
and promote their participation, as well as improve awareness of their rights and responsibilities. The new oral trial requirements
allow for journalists to witness court hearings and follow the progress of cases -- an opportunity that should not be missed.
Additionally, the press corps needs the support of a healthy criminal justice system to prosecute attacks on journalists and
improve security to allow them to do their jobs.
Of course, progress depends on actions beyond the government.
That is why I am pleased to see so many people from civil society and the media side-by-side with the distinguished
representatives of government who are leading the promotion of justice and security in Mexico. Civil society and the
media play an integral role in oversight and providing greater access to information. As all of us here today know,
citizens rely upon credible, accurate information from the media to make informed decisions and hold us all accountable.
For media to be successful in this mission, however, they must be able to practice their profession free from threats and
harassments. Many of you know too well the dangerous and antagonistic environment in which journalists are operating,
yet you courageously continue to report to keep your readers informed and engaged. We applaud your contributions to
building a stronger Mexico.
I would like to take a moment to commend Mexican civil
society organizations that have worked tirelessly to continue advancing the reform agenda. NGOs have created public
service campaigns like the ANCPC’s “No te dejes” and civil society organizations like “Consejo Cuidadano
de Seguridad Publica” have provided websites and hotlines that enable citizens to report crimes anonymously without
fear of retribution. Civil society and the media have jointly launched another campaign, “Mexico Initiative: it’s
time to make history,” encouraging citizens to proactively shape Mexico’s future and to recognize those who are
trying to make a difference. Efforts like these encourage Mexicans to more constructively engage with government and
help to improve justice and security.
A couple of weeks ago, during the inauguration
of the 2nd Forum of Justice and Security, President of Mexico SOS, Alejandro Marti, urged Mexican citizens to become an active
part of the justice system rather than remain victims. He reminded us all that citizen involvement can “reverse
the curse of violence.” I was inspired by his eloquent comments and agree that Mexican citizens have a crucial
role to play in the battle against violence. After all, citizens know best what is happening in their communities and
are uniquely positioned to help guide local crime fighting efforts. I am encouraged by the many Mexicans who are engaging
with their local governments to work together toward the betterment of their communities.
On this day, I would like to take a moment to remember
Carlos Monsivais. The methodical intelligence of Monsivais is the first thing that comes to mind, as is the way in which
he always spoke for civil society. Long before publishing essays about the ’68
events in Tlatelolco, and the earthquake in ’85, Monsivais was always at the forefront of a democratic, active and vibrant
society. Now more than ever, when Mexico is facing so many trials and challenges, we will miss the pen of Mr. Monsivais.
Mordant and tenacious, Monsivais was a prototype for those who today call us to civic action, whether Mexican or foreigner,
who share space in the Mexican territory. Now, more than ever, we need civil society heroes. Today, more than ever,
we must maintain the spirit of that tireless fighter, of a man who, paradoxically, was born, grew up in, and lived almost
his entire life, in the same place.
With half its population under the age of 25, Mexico
is experiencing what has been called a “youth bulge.” And the fact is, the responsibility for meeting the
defining challenges of our time will soon fall to this new generation. Mexico has a unique opportunity to engage its
youth, who bring innovative and fresh ideas and an unprecedented ability to mobilize to challenge assumptions, bridge divides
and find better solutions to our toughest problems. But unless we can provide young people with opportunities for an education
and for jobs and for a career, many will end up being attracted to the drug trade.
As First Lady Michelle Obama said during her visit
to Mexico in April, “when we dismiss any of our young people, when we fail to tap into their potential, we risk losing
their promise. And just think of the inventions and the cures that are never discovered, the great works of art and
literature that are never created, the great acts of courage and leadership that never grace this world. But this
isn’t just about discovering those few extraordinary folks who still or will change the course of history. It’s
also about breaking down barriers across the globe so that all our young people can learn and work and be productive members
of our societies. It’s about seeking the perspectives and experiences of young people from every background –-
those new ideas that make our businesses more productive, our cultures more vibrant, and our governments more open and free.”
While praising Mexico for its efforts and its success,
today’s forum demonstrates that significant changes require broad civic engagement – the media, civil society,
and public support to assist government progress to strengthen the rule of law, reduce impunity, and prevent corruption. Everyone
in this room has a specific purpose and responsibility to ensure Mexico’s progress towards a prosperous democracy.
Organized crime has challenged the safety of Mexican citizens. The solution must involve Mexico’s citizens and
their common commitment to seek a society based on the rule of law, where their families are secure, and where their children
have the opportunity to aspire to their dreams. The most valuable capital a country holds is its people. The United
States proudly supports your commitment to citizen participation, a free and an independent media, and your efforts to build
confidence in the rule of law and the equal administration of justice. Our two great nations share these values and
our commitment to universal human rights.
——————————
Carlos Pascual, U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, U.S. Embassy in Mexico; Binational Media Forum, National Association of
Citizen Participation Councils, June 21, 2010
