Introduction
While the Day of the Mediator is not universally recognized in Mexico, it is celebrated on January 21st, aligning with the International Day of Mediation in Europe and September 21st, during World Peace Day. In 2022, the state of Chihuahua officially declared September 21st as the State Day of the Mediator to strengthen peace and alternative justice.
The Role of Mediators and Recent Developments
The figure of the mediator was removed from the General Law on Alternative Mechanisms for Conflict Resolution, which took effect in January 2024. This begs the question: whom do we celebrate?
UN’s Call for Peace
In light of the United Nations’ call to honor World Peace Day, governments, people, institutions, and individuals are encouraged to engage in peace-related initiatives for awareness.
The Importance of Peace in Turbulent Times
We live in times marked by international, national, community, family, and school-level turbulence. Concrete actions promoting peace and harmony are essential.
- Roles to Play: Authorities, community members, families, educators, and students all have a part to play in fostering understanding, non-violence, and equality.
- Immediate Actions: Write, engage in dialogue, and reflect on the urgent need for understanding, non-violence, and disarmament. Listen to all voices, challenge discriminatory language, and report bullying.
Mexico’s Current Stance on Peace and Justice
The current Mexican government seems to disregard peace as a pathway to social cohesion, instead promoting societal polarization and undermining fundamental rights.
Weakening of the Amparo Judgment
A concerning example is the erosion of the Amparo judgment, a constitutional safeguard established in 1857 to ensure constitutional control, limit power abuse, and protect human rights and individual guarantees.
The president recently proposed another reform to the Amparo Law, further deteriorating the legal protection pillar in Mexico. This proposal aims to undermine access to justice and individual rights defense, leaving citizens vulnerable to constitutional or legal reforms that infringe on their rights.
Embrace Peace for a Harmonious Future
As dark times engulf Mexico and the world, it’s crucial to act to reduce violence and foster harmony.
With the start of autumn on September 22nd, let’s enjoy this season while keeping peace in mind. United, we can overcome our challenges.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Who do we celebrate on the Day of the Mediator? A: We honor peace and engage in peace-related initiatives as called for by the UN.
- Q: Why is peace important in today’s turbulent times? A: Concrete actions promoting peace and understanding are essential in the face of international, national, community, family, and school-level turbulence.
- Q: How is the current Mexican government affecting peace and justice? A: The government seems to disregard peace as a pathway to social cohesion, promoting polarization and undermining fundamental rights.
- Q: What is the significance of the Amparo judgment in Mexico? A: The Amparo judgment is a constitutional safeguard established in 1857 to ensure constitutional control, limit power abuse, and protect human rights and individual guarantees.
