31 Jan 2018 | 05:56 PM UTC
Mexico: Teachers' strike and march in Mexico City and Oaxaca Jan. 31
National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE) plans nationwide 24-hour strike January 31; associated marches planned in Mexico City and Oaxaca, among other cities
Event
The National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE) teachers' union is planning a 24-hour nationwide strike and associated protest march in Mexico City on Wednesday, January 31. Protesters are expected to assemble at 16:00 (local time) at the Angel of Independence (El Ángel), and proceed to march to the Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución).
An additional protest march is planned to take place in Oaxaca on Wednesday; related protests are also expected in other Mexican cities. Heightened security measures and associated transportation disruptions are anticipated along and near the march routes in Mexico City, Oaxaca, and other affected cities. Classes are also expected to be disrupted throughout the country on Wednesday.
Context
The CNTE march is reportedly protesting what detractors view as detrimental labor reforms and the Law of Internal Security, passed in December, which routinizes the role of the military in undertaking law enforcement responsibilities. Critics of the bill claim that the policy would lead to the further militarization of Mexican public security and the country as a whole, and would facilitate the military's abuse of human rights, including extrajudicial killings, torture, and forced "disappearances."
Advice
Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations due to potential violence, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
