Summary and goals
KAIROS Delegation to Mexico, Spring 2005
Since the implementation of NAFTA in 1994, Canadian churches have closely monitored the human rights situation in Mexico. Through the work of the inter-church coalitions and now KAIROS, Canadian churches have borne witness to the political, social, and economic consequences of NAFTA through strong partnerships, on-going monitoring and several delegations. Moreover delegation members have consistently brought their powerful witness back to Canada to share with Canadians with the hopes of ultimately influencing public policy.
March 2005 provides an opportunity to reflect back upon the findings of previous delegations; assess the economic, political, social, and cultural consequences of trade liberalization in Mexico; and to look forward by developing concrete policy recommendations. In KAIROS’ work resisting unjust trade agreements and proposing alternatives, Mexico provides a clear example of the devastating impact of aggressive trade liberalization; an example that needs to be lifted up. Moreover, KAIROS partners’ provide some key responses and alternatives to unjust trade policies.
Using the lens of free trade and the broad spectrum of human rights, the delegation will allow us to explore the relationship between trade liberalization and the following key t
- Economic, social and cultural rights including the erosion of social rights, labour rights and privatization of social services and resources
- Rural and Indigenous rights and the responses of these communities
- Migrant workers and migration issues
- Trade and militarization
- Social violence and, in particular, violence against women
- Canadian corporate activity in Mexico
The delegates travel to the border town of Ciudad Juarez, the southern state of Chiapas and San Luis Potosi.
