22 - Social Justice for Children and Young People in Mexico

Summary

Children and young people in Mexico face problematic situations such as poverty, child labor, marginalization, lack of education, and violence. Their vulnerability is a matter of social justice and it has been an important concern for civil society, nongovernmental organizations, and public institutions. These issues have been addressed throughout the ratification of international conventions and protocols. At the national level, laws have been enacted; groups and institutions have committed to protect young population and guarantee their development, considering their rights, needs, and opinions. Although much has been done, it has not been enough. Facts such as corruption, abuse of power, insecurity due to organized crime, discrimination, stigmatization, labor exploitation, human trafficking, and ethnic, spatial, socioeconomic, and gender inequality are barriers to solutions. In general terms, vulnerability increases in indigenous and rural populations and among those who face extreme poverty.