### Judiciary Workers Called to Vote on Strike Starting August 21
The National Association of Circuit Magistrates and District Judges (JUFED) issued a call on August 16, 2024, urging judiciary employees to vote on whether to hold a national strike beginning at midnight on August 21. The strike is in response to the judicial reform proposed by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, submitted to Congress on February 5, 2024.
In its statement, JUFED emphasized its commitment to ensuring that the movement does not disrupt public order or the protection of rights and freedoms related to access to justice. This aligns with Article 17 of the Constitution, Articles 8 and 25 of the American Convention on Human Rights, and General Observation 37.50 of the Human Rights Committee, which outline legitimate reasons for restricting this right. According to Article 29 of the Constitution, judicial rights and guarantees essential for their protection cannot be restricted or suspended. Urgent cases will be handled according to the regular duty schedule established by the Federal Judiciary Council.
The formal declaration of suspension of activities, if the strike proceeds, will specify the list of urgent matters. The strike will commence at 00:00 hours on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, and will continue until the association’s demands are met. The decision to end the strike will be taken by JUFED’s National and Regional Executive Boards. JUFED remains open to dialogue and negotiation to reach a consensus for the benefit of the Federal Judiciary, a key guarantor of legal security in Mexico.
Upon conclusion of this process, the National Executive Board of the association will issue a statement informing participants, the Federal Judiciary Council, and the public of the voting results. The declaration will also formalize the suspension of judicial activities if necessary.
Earlier, President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo emphasized that the election of judges, magistrates, and ministers was a popular mandate reflected in the June 2, 2024, vote. Sheinbaum met with leaders from the Morena, Green Ecologist Party (PVEM), and Labor Party (PT), along with legislators, governors, and future cabinet members at the Metropolitan Theater, asserting that the judicial reform would consider inputs from nationwide discussion forums.
On August 15, 2024, the leader of Morena’s parliamentary group in the House of Deputies, Moisés Ignacio Mier Velazco, indicated that his party would propose amendments to over 60 paragraphs of the judicial reform proposal. He, however, did not elaborate on the changes, stating they resulted from Morena’s analysis post-discussion forums.
President López Obrador highlighted the need to resolve two cases involving 35 billion pesos stuck in the judiciary. At a press conference on August 14, 2024, he stressed the potential benefits of resolving these cases for the public.
On August 13, 2024, Human Rights Watch released a statement criticizing the proposed reform for ignoring the inefficiencies of the prosecutors’ offices. The NGO recommended enhancing oversight, combating corruption, investing in training and forensic resources, protecting victims, establishing a professional career service rewarding skill and integrity, and punishing abusive officials.
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### Secondary Article: Judicial Reform Sparks Division in Mexico
Recent moves towards judicial reform in Mexico have sparked significant debate and protest among judicial workers and the broader public. The proposed changes by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador have been met with strong opposition, particularly from those within the judiciary, who argue that the reforms threaten judicial independence and are inadequately addressing the core issues plaguing the judicial system.
Key points of contention include the efficiency of fiscal investigations and the prosecution of crimes, which many argue are not sufficiently addressed by the proposed reforms. Instead, some believe the changes could undermine the judiciary’s ability to function effectively and independently.
Human Rights Watch has been vocal in its criticism, asserting that the reforms fail to tackle the root issues of corruption and inefficiency. Instead, they emphasize the need for structural improvements such as better oversight, increased resources for forensic investigations, and protections for victims.
As the start date for a potential strike approaches, the judiciary’s call for voting reflects the significant unrest within the sector. The outcomes of these votes will be crucial in determining the next steps and whether judicial operations in the country will indeed come to a halt, pending the resolution of their demands.
The ongoing debate underscores the deep divisions within Mexico’s governance and the challenges faced in balancing the pursuit of reform with the need to maintain robust, independent judicial institutions capable of delivering justice.