Justice for Peace Forum, Space for Analysis on the Subject of Human Rights

The Global Embassy of Activists for Peace (GEAP) in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, along with the Tijuana University (CUT), created a space to analyze and discuss “Human Dignity, Presumption of Innocence and Human Rights” during the Judicial Forum, as part of the Justice for Peace Program.

With the objective of generating constructive critical thinking with the interest of examining the efficiency and swiftness of the justice system, the GEAP gathered more than 135 students from the Law, Architecture, Social Communication, International Relations, Foreign Commerce and Customs Legislation Faculty.

The multiple use hall of the CUT was the place where this Forum was held, and counted with the support of the academic Vice Rector of the institution, Irma Jacome, and Pedro Medina, professor of the Political and Social Sciences Faculty of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).

Commissioner Pedro Hernandez, Head coordinator of the Federal Police in Baja California and Francisco Guerra, national coordinator of the GEAP in Mexico, were also present during the event.

Citizens and their rights

The opening of the event was in charge of Irma Jacome, who, during her speech, thanked the GEAP for holding the Forum “Justice for Peace” in the institution she represents.

“It coincides with the mission of the university, to promote a culture of peace; which is also one of the objectives of the Embassy. Another topic that is important for the Global Embassy, which also coincides with the Tijuana University, is the topic of Human Rights and Human Dignity, which is a subject that involves us all,” expressed Jacome.

Pedro Medina, in his lecture “The due process and the presumption of innocence as a human right”, analyzed the Mexican judicial system, and also spoke on the importance of the presumption of innocence, he said:

“Innocence is presumed and guiltiness is demonstrated”.

Commissioner Hernandez presented the content of the rights charter that assists the people in detention, which has nine points:

1. You are detained for the following reasons: (Administrative failure or misdemeanor).
2. You are considered innocent until proven guilty.
3. You have the right to declare or remain silent.
4. If you decide to testify, you have the right not to blame yourself.
5. You have the right to a defender of your choice, in case you do not have one, the State will provide one for free.
6. You have the right to a translator or interpreter.
7. You have the right to inform a relative or person of your choice, of your detention and the place of custody in which you are at any time.
8. You have the right to be brought, without delay, to the competent authority.
9. In case you are a foreigner, you have the right to notify the consulate of your country of your detention.

Hernandez highlighted the importance of every how every citizen should know their rights, to avoid becoming victims of authority abuse.

The forum concluded with the delivery of awards to the speakers on behalf of the GEAP and CUT.

The GEAP continues to develop the Judicial Forums throughout the country with the purpose of designing and implementing mechanisms with concrete solutions that transcend the national and international community, in the interest of a more humane, prompt and effective justice, for the welfare, peace and happiness of the human family.