30 años de la firma de los acuerdos de San Andrés

Ceremony Commemorating 30 Years of the San Andrés Accords

Welcome and Introduction

• The Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) welcomes attendees to the commemorative ceremony for the 30th anniversary of the San Andrés Accords, presided over by Dr. Leonardo Lomelí van Egas, UNAM rector.

• Key figures present include Licenciada Diana Lepe Sanchez, Dr. Mauricio Sanchez Mencheru, and other notable members from various organizations related to peace and mediation.

• Acknowledgment of attendees includes members of the UNAM Board of Governors, university authorities, diplomatic corps representatives, and social media followers.

Opening Remarks

• Dr. Mauricio Sánchez Menchero opens with greetings to all present and acknowledges key individuals at the event.

• He emphasizes that this ceremony is not merely ceremonial but holds significant historical importance.

Historical Context of the San Andrés Accords

• The reception of documents from CONAI's historical archive symbolizes a commitment to memory and responsibility regarding past agreements made in San Andrés.

• The signing represented an acknowledgment of historical debts owed to indigenous peoples and aimed at transforming conflict through dialogue.

Importance of Collective Memory

• Citing sociologist Moguéz Halbax, it is emphasized that collective memory is maintained through community practices rather than isolated individual actions.

• If collective memory weakens, commitments fade; if strengthened, they become part of historical consciousness.

Zapatismo as a Political Movement

• Pablo González Casanova viewed Zapatismo as a profound expression against internal colonialism in Mexico's history.

• The accords opened pathways for translating demands into legal recognition while highlighting ongoing ethical responsibilities.

Commitment to Peace and Justice

• Custodianship of these documents represents a promise that dialogue remains possible; dignity is non-negotiable.

• The act serves as both commemoration and renewal of commitment towards peace, justice, and full recognition for marginalized communities.

Introduction to Digital and Collective Dialogue

Embracing New Technologies in Education

• The discussion emphasizes the need for integrating electronic media, digital tools, and generative artificial intelligence into collective reading and dialogue practices.

• Acknowledgment is given to university authorities for recognizing SEH as a custodian of the historical archive of Conay Serapaz at the Pablo González Casanova Library.

Gratitude Towards Supporting Entities

Recognition of Collaborative Efforts

• Thanks are extended to DGB and HERU for their support in enabling the integration of archival exhibits related to the San Andrés Accords, now available online.

Historical Context: The Journey of Displaced Communities

Resilience Amidst Adversity

• Baxamen, Ocho Águila leads displaced individuals seeking refuge from violence, symbolizing hope amidst turmoil. They arrive with essential seeds representing new beginnings.

• The narrative highlights how time is measured by natural growth cycles rather than conventional metrics, emphasizing a connection with nature and spirituality.

The Significance of San Canchen

A Space for Peaceful Dialogue

• San Canchen was established as a venue for peace dialogues among impoverished communities, constructed on a basketball court symbolizing conflict resolution without warfare.

Challenges Faced During Negotiations

Military Pressure and Resistance

• In November 1995, military pressure threatened dialogue efforts between Zapatistas and the Mexican government amid fears of an attack during negotiations. Heavy military presence created an atmosphere of tension.

The Signing of San Andrés Accords

Government Non-compliance

• On February 16, 1996, the San Andrés Accords were signed regarding indigenous rights; however, subsequent government actions under President Ernesto Zedillo failed to honor these agreements leading to Zapatista withdrawal from further dialogues.

Zapatista Ideals: Land Ownership and Community Governance

Vision for Collective Existence

• By late 2023 through early 2026, Zapatistas focus on communal land ownership principles where land belongs collectively rather than individually—aiming to build a new societal foundation amidst current civilizational crises marked by terror and fascism.

Personal Reflections on Indigenous Cultures

Learning from Indigenous Experiences

• A personal journey through Chiapas reveals deep appreciation for indigenous languages and cultures despite historical oppression; this experience underscores the resilience embodied by local communities against cultural erasure.

Assembly Dynamics Among Indigenous Groups

Collective Decision-Making Process

• Observations during assemblies highlight diverse indigenous voices engaging in dialogue while blending languages; moments culminate in silent agreement reflecting shared values aligned with spiritual beliefs about life’s purpose.

Suspension of Future Dialogues by STLN

Political Frustration

• In August 1996, STLN announced suspension from future dialogues due to lack of political will from government representatives leading to perceived betrayal regarding autonomy agreements made earlier with indigenous groups.

This structured summary captures key insights from the transcript while providing timestamps that facilitate easy navigation back to specific parts of the discussion.

A Historical Perspective on Indigenous Rights and the San Andrés Agreements

Context of the San Andrés Agreements

• The discussion highlights the significance of the San Andrés agreements, emphasizing their structural importance in addressing civilizational crises, inequalities, and contradictions faced by indigenous peoples over thirty years.

• The agenda challenges extractive models through a holistic worldview that prioritizes life and proposes redistributing public power to grassroots levels, aiming to reshape institutional arrangements in Mexico.

• It critiques competition as a fundamental aspect of human relations, advocating for collective collaboration to sustain cultural and material reproduction among communities based on shared values.

Dialogue and Recognition of Rights

• A horizontal dialogue process between indigenous peoples and the Mexican state led to a consensus on establishing new relationships grounded in recognizing indigenous rights, autonomy, and self-governance.

• Indigenous groups are tasked with transforming their current situations from their perspectives as part of creating a new social pact that includes substantial participation from these communities.

Challenges Post-Agreements

• Despite initial progress, there has been significant non-compliance with agreements leading to increased dispossession of territories and migration issues exacerbated by criminal economies infiltrating communities.

• Recent years have seen renewed focus on indigenous rights with constitutional reforms acknowledging them as public law subjects entitled to autonomy in governance, education, health care, cultural preservation, and habitat improvement.

Ongoing Struggles for Territorial Rights

• Although reforms recognized various rights including women's participation and property access, proposals for territorial rights were excluded despite ongoing issues related to land use affecting daily life for these communities.

• Continuous struggles highlight both advancements in organizational frameworks for exercising rights while facing complex challenges that hinder effective implementation.

Importance of Historical Memory

• The historical memory surrounding the San Andrés agreements remains vital; they symbolize a collective awakening towards achieving dignity and justice for all people involved.

• Reflections indicate that while some constitutional advances have been made regarding indigenous rights recognition, there is still a gap between proclaimed rights and actual practices experienced by these communities.

Legacy of Leadership

• Leaders like Don Samuel Ruiz played crucial roles during conflicts by mediating dialogues that brought together various stakeholders committed to advancing indigenous causes through organizations like Conay.

• The legacy continues as efforts are made to preserve documents related to dialogues from over 30 years ago; this archival work aims at ensuring accessibility for future generations.

Original Documents and Their Significance

Importance of the Original Documents

• The original documents, signed by negotiation participants, are preserved meticulously, providing a rich opportunity for the university community and the nation to recover memory and reference a new phase of living.

• These documents will be housed in the Pablo González Casanova library, which symbolizes a deep connection with indigenous causes and offers a pathway toward future possibilities.

Acknowledgments and Participants

• Various key figures were acknowledged during the event, including Dr. Miguel Armando López Leyva and Dr. Leonardo Lomeliva Negas, highlighting their roles in promoting peace and research in humanities.

• Notable attendees included former CONAI officials like Gonzalo Hurtarte Berlusco and Dolores González Araby, emphasizing collaboration on preserving historical archives related to indigenous rights.

30th Anniversary of San Andrés Agreements

Historical Context

• The 30th anniversary commemorates significant dialogues that have shaped the recognition of indigenous rights in Mexico since the signing of the San Andrés Agreements on February 16, 1996.

• Over three decades, reflections on these agreements have examined their origins, failures to comply, impacts, and future perspectives within broader socio-political contexts.

Indigenous Resistance Movements

• The history of resistance from southeastern indigenous peoples dates back to the 16th century with various uprisings aimed at achieving freedom, dignity, and justice amidst changing political landscapes.

• The Zapatista Army's armed uprising on January 1st, 1994 was framed as a justified response to long-standing oppression against indigenous communities in Mexico. This declaration highlighted issues surrounding democracy under state hegemony.

Dialogue Process Leading to Agreements

Key Milestones in Dialogue

• The dialogue process was complex and non-linear; it faced numerous challenges but ultimately led to significant agreements between federal authorities and Zapatista representatives starting with mediation efforts initiated shortly after hostilities began in early 1994.

• Important legislative actions included the promulgation of laws for dialogue and peacebuilding efforts that set frameworks for negotiations leading up to formal agreements signed on February 15–16, 1996.

Outcomes of Negotiations

• Three pivotal documents were produced from these negotiations: one being a joint pronouncement outlining new relationships between indigenous peoples and the state based on mutual commitments and principles aimed at fostering respect for indigenous rights.

Proposals for a New Social Pact

Joint Proposals from the Federal Government and Zapatismo

• The second proposal involves commitments from both the federal government and Zapatismo to submit joint proposals to national debate and decision-making bodies.

• These proposals address state transformations necessary for a new social pact, including legal frameworks for self-determination expressed through autonomy.

• Autonomy implies decisions regarding self-governance, resource management by communities, and strengthening municipal governance.

Constitutional Reforms in Chiapas

• Additional documents outline proposed constitutional reforms in Chiapas and commitments from the state government on various relevant issues.

• Despite these agreements, subsequent developments did not lead to widely accepted public policies among Zapatistas or indigenous peoples, such as the 1995 COCOPA law initiative or the 2001 Constitutional Reform on Indigenous Rights.

• The latter reform was viewed as a counter-reform rather than an advancement of rights. This highlights that even in hostile conditions, dialogue can occur leading to mutual understanding.

Preservation of Historical Memory

• A partnership has been established with SERAPAZ to archive historical documents related to the National Commission of Mediation (CONAI), reflecting significant events in recent history.

• The collection will be cataloged and stored electronically at the Pablo González Casanova Library for public access, honoring his commitment to indigenous causes.

Importance of Dialogue for Peace

• Emphasizing continuous dialogue and listening as essential pathways toward peace is crucial; this sentiment is echoed throughout the discussions presented today.

The Significance of San Andrés Agreements

Political Impact of Zapatista Uprising

• The San Andrés Agreements mark a pivotal political, legal, and symbolic moment in contemporary Mexico following the 1994 Zapatista uprising which exposed historical fractures within society.

• This uprising challenged claims of democracy while revealing structural exclusion faced by indigenous peoples rooted in colonial history; demands were seen as legitimate rather than concessions granted by authorities.

Recognition of Indigenous Rights

• Indigenous representatives sought recognition for demands that should never have been contested; their struggle highlighted ongoing marginalization issues needing resolution.

• Pablo González Casanova interpreted this movement as conscious resistance aimed at establishing political alternatives and social justice frameworks amidst systemic inequalities present during that time period.

Legislative Challenges Post-Agreements

• Although agreements introduced concepts like Mexico's multiethnic identity and collective rights to self-determination, subsequent legislative reforms failed to capture their essence fully due to military tensions and paramilitary violence affecting communities deeply impacted by events like the Acteal massacre.

Crisis and Social Dynamics in Chiapas

The Impact of Organized Crime and Poverty

• The expansion of organized crime in Chiapas has led to illegal economies, forced displacements, recruitment, and dispossession, intertwining with local power networks. This situation is described as a conflict that erodes social fabric and deepens vulnerability.

• According to INEGI data, 66% of the population in Chiapas lives in multidimensional poverty, with nearly 30% experiencing extreme poverty—among the highest rates in Mexico.

Educational Disparities

• By late 2025, over 60% of the population had labor income below the cost of the basic food basket, nearly double the national average. This disparity is starkly reflected in education levels.

• In secondary education coverage, Chiapas only reaches about 59%, compared to a national average exceeding 80%. This gap widens further at higher education levels where only 19.7% have access—less than half the national average.

Extractive Interests and Community Rights

• Extractive interests threaten indigenous territories, creating socio-environmental tensions that jeopardize various livelihoods while criminalizing community organization and normalizing self-defense due to institutional neglect.

Historical Context and Political Reflection

• Thirty years post-rebellion, conditions leading to the crisis remain unresolved; they have reconfigured into new forms rather than disappeared entirely. Various communities are engaging deeply with political reflections on capitalism, power dynamics, feminism, and ecology that resonate globally.

Autonomy and Cultural Diversity

• The theoretical production emerging from these reflections is integral to a political project aimed at redefining common welfare principles outlined in agreements requiring deeper implementation for effective constitutional application.

• Key principles include autonomy's centrality, recognition of cultural diversity as a source of rights, and obligations for consultation regarding initiatives affecting communities directly—emphasizing practical application over retrospective exercises.

Academic Responsibility

• The National Autonomous University of Mexico emphasizes its ethical duty to ensure community voices are central in public debates without substituting their representation but facilitating knowledge generation around indigenous rights as essential components of democracy.

Commitment to Indigenous Dignity

• The university's mission includes producing relevant knowledge about these realities while an accompanying photographic exhibition serves both as an archive and testimony—a reminder that past agreements remain contested futures rather than closed chapters.

Acknowledgments

• Gratitude was expressed towards various organizations for fostering spaces for reflection between academic research and social struggles within Mexico while recognizing those who contributed courageously towards dialogue paths amidst challenges faced by communities today.

This act aims to renew commitment towards dignity for all peoples while striving for peaceful societal construction moving forward into future endeavors together as one community united under shared aspirations.