Authorities face off over attempt to preserve cockfights in Tekax

Human Rights agency opposes Tekax City Council declaration of the sport a “cultural heritage”….

MERIDA — The Yucatan State Human Rights Commission (Codhey) expresses its rejection of the Tekax City Council declaration of cockfights as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, as this type of event “normalizes” violence, promotes alcohol consumption as well as gambling, putting at risk the family patrimony.

It should be noted that Tekax has not accomplished yet the General Recommendation No. 08/2016 addressed to the 106 Yucatan municipalities, where it is requested to modify its regulations to prohibit children and adolescents from active and/or passive participation in events where any kind of violence is promoted or spread.

On the contrary, far from complying with the recommendation and promoting a climate of peace in the municipality, it seems like actions are being taken in order to normalize the violent spectacles and promote the consumption of alcohol and betting among the attendees.

This is a major issue, because the police of this town have been repeatedly identified as responsible for human rights violations, and several cases of torture and violence against women have been proven. The Codhey worries that this type of violence could be encouraged in the town.

Codhey’s president, José Enrique Goff Ailloud, called on the Cabildo de Tekax to prioritize the needs of the population, encouraging public actions and policies in favor of the most vulnerable, such as the Mayan people, women victims of violence, children, the accessibility of people with disabilities, elders, among others.

Source: sipse.com/milenio_novedades

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