Rights and indigenous adolescence in Mexico: new subjects, new dilemmas

Abstract

This article aims to discuss the advances and challenges related to the fulfilment of the rights of Mexican indigenous children, especially during their adolescent years (ages 12-18). The article has two main sections. First, we review a selection of qualitative and statistical literature that provides a broad overview of the rights of indigenous youth in Mexico and of issues pertaining to their identities and living conditions. Secondly, we present a synopsis of the results of a collaborative research project recently undertaken in 13 indigenous communities located in different regions of Mexico, and one in the us. The results of the study shed light on the varied circumstances of youth living in diverse rural and urban socio-economic contexts. Drawing upon the study’s findings, we discuss three critical aspects of indigenous youth rights: growing indigenous youth awareness of their rights; the evolving and differentiated identities of indigenous adolescents; and the connection between indigenous youth identity and rights.