UN Finds Structural Discrimination Against Afro-Mexicans

The United Nations Expert Group on people of African descent completed a visit to Mexico and reported that recognition of Afro-Mexicans remains largely symbolic. The group met with government officials, civil organizations, and Afro-Mexican people during their time in Veracruz, Guerrero, and Oaxaca. They documented instances of discrimination, including children forced to cut their afro hair for school admission.

The UN group also noted violence against Afro-Mexican women, specifically obstetric violence stemming from stereotypes about pain tolerance. They recorded cases of people being asked to sing the national anthem at checkpoints to prove their citizenship. Despite a 2020 census identifying about 2.6 million Afro-Mexicans, many do not self-identify due to fear of racism or lack awareness of their history.

The group urged Mexico to undertake urgent structural reforms to address systemic racism and historical injustices. Current support structures, designed for indigenous communities, do not fully account for the unique experiences of Afro-Mexicans, and racial profiling remains widespread.