CNDH proposal
The National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) urged to strengthen the proposal for the General Law on the Rights of Indigenous and Afro-Mexican Peoples. The organization considers that it must guarantee real protection of cultural heritage. It also requires the direct participation of communities in the consultation process promoted by the federal government.
The pronouncement is given at the beginning of the Prior, Free and Informed Consultation Process. For the CNDH, this initiative is an opportunity to consolidate the legal framework that protects the material and intangible heritage of indigenous peoples. In addition, it seeks to avoid its misappropriation or exploitation.
The CNDH recalled that in its General Recommendation 35/2019 it already documented cases of unauthorized commercial use of indigenous designs, textiles and cultural expressions. This evidenced the need to strengthen legal mechanisms. For this reason, he highlighted the importance of recognizing collective authorship and the cultural rights of communities.
Necessary measures
The organization also called for strengthening the National System for the Protection of the Cultural Heritage of Indigenous and Afro-Mexican Peoples and Communities. He requested to provide it with more resources and ensure the operation of its national registry. He insisted that the law must provide for prior, free and informed consent for any commercial use of cultural elements.




