Mexico

Overview

Mexico is a multicultural country with a significant history of ethnic mixture. Mexico does not have ethnicity category in the national census. According to the National Commission for the Development of the Indigenous People (CDI), about 21.5% of the population self-identify as Indigenous (Amerindians). Like many Latin American states, miscegenation has led to a sizable ethnic Mestizo population (Amerindian-Spanish), in some accounts, 62% of the population (2012 est.: Encyclopaedia Britannica 2023). Other ethnic groups in Mexico comprise of white European (around 10%) and Afro-Mexican (2%) (see recent Mexican Census 2020). Despite its complicated nature in Mexico, “racial identity” constitutes a significant social construct, with many Mexicans referring to their “race” with some sense of pride, as Indigenous, mestizo, or European (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2023c). Historically, Indigenous and Afro-Mexicans two groups have faced discrimination that remains structurally entrenched. As a result, 71.9% of the Indigenous population live in poverty and social marginalisation (OHCHR 2019).

In response to the structural discrimination against vulnerable groups in Mexico, the government has implemented a series of changes to its public policy in 2018. This aimed at strengthening the Mexican Discrimination Prevention Agency, giving it powers to eliminate and prevent hate speech (OHCHR 2019). However, Mexico did not emulate fellow Central American countries in terms of improving its integration policies. Instead, more obstacles have been added for immigrants and Indigenous populations in accessing basic services in education, healthcare, and political participation.

Intercultural Dialogue Index (ICDI) Score