In this report on the situation of indigenous peoples in Mexico, the Special Rapporteur notes the negative impact on indigenous peoples of armed conflict between the Mexican military, paramilitaries, and organized crime and drug trafficking. Some indigenous peoples have had to defend their communal forests from incursions by groups with links to trafficking. In paragraph 27, the Special Rapporteur notes that some indigenous peoples become involved in criminal activities due to poverty and isolation, and the punishment of these activities sometimes gives rise to human rights violations. Despite touching on the role of drug trafficking in the conflict, the report does not make any conclusions or recommendations related to drug trafficking or drug policy.
Citation: Rodolfo Stavenhagen. 'Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous peoples - Mission to Mexico-', (E/CN.4/2004/80/Add.2) 23 December 2003