The struggle of indigenous peoples in Mexico for the recognition of their rights

Abstract

In recent decades, the demand for autonomy has become a banner of struggle for the indigenous peoples of Mexico and Latin America. However, the term autonomy, due to their different uses and implications on international standards, creates confusion and separatists fears in the States. In the conceptualization and formulation of autonomy there are various ideas and proposals, the scopes ranging from regional and municipal level to the local. This further complicates the fulfillment of this important demand. Autonomy is thus a central demand of all claims associated with indigenous rights, also discussed in the international arena and within many nations. This application refers to self-determination of peoples, basically in their own geographical areas, mostly rural type. The multiethnic condition as a basis for the establishment of areas of indigenous autonomy has already begun, highlighting the case of Canada where land rights also include natural resources. Even in Latin America, the cases of Bolivia, Venezuela, Colombia and Nicaragua in which indigenous autonomy has been elevated to constitutional status.