Background on the Institutions Involved
The Secretaría de Cultura (Cultural Department) is a Mexican government body responsible for promoting, preserving, and disseminating the country’s cultural heritage. It oversees various institutions, including the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH), which is Mexico’s leading national institution dedicated to research, education, and preservation of the country’s archaeological and historical sites.
The Current Situation
Recently, several museums under INAH’s jurisdiction, including the Museo Nacional de Antropología, were closed due to a shortage of security personnel. This situation prompted the Cultural Department to intervene and ensure that the nation’s cultural treasures remain protected.
Key Actions Taken
- Acceptance of Resignation: The Secretaría de Cultura, led by Claudia Curiel de Icaza, instructed INAH’s director general to accept the resignation of Pedro Alberto Velázquez Castro, who was in charge of Security and Protection of the Cultural Heritage.
- Administrative Procedures: INAH was ordered to initiate administrative procedures so that the Auxiliary Police could access all public spaces under its control in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area.
- Evaluation of Security Bodies: A review of security forces similar to those in other regions across Mexico was also mandated.
Context and Impact
The recent closures of museums highlighted the importance of adequate security measures for preserving Mexico’s invaluable cultural heritage. The Secretaría de Cultura’s intervention aims to ensure that the INAH and its employees can continue their vital work without compromising the safety of the nation’s cultural assets.
Timeline of Events
- June 4, 2023: The Secretaría de Cultura, under Claudia Curiel de Icaza, requested INAH’s director, Diego Prieto Hernández, to take immediate action to reopen the museums under its supervision.
- Present: Following the security personnel shortage, the Secretaría de Cultura issued instructions to the INAH to address the situation and safeguard Mexico’s cultural treasures.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is involved? The Secretaría de Cultura and the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH) are the main entities involved.
- What actions were taken? The Secretaría de Cultura instructed INAH to accept the resignation of the security chief, initiate administrative procedures for Auxiliary Police access to museum spaces, and evaluate security forces in other regions.
- Why were these actions necessary? These measures were taken due to the closure of several museums under INAH’s jurisdiction because of insufficient security personnel.
- What is the significance? Ensuring adequate security for Mexico’s cultural heritage is crucial, and these actions demonstrate the government’s commitment to protecting the nation’s invaluable cultural assets.
