All Grupo México actions are held to the principles of shared responsibility, inclusion, participatory communication, transparency, empathy and congruence. We are committed to the fundamental principle of respecting the human rights of all individuals, independent of our legal obligations.
In particular, and as stated in our Human Rights Policy, we respect the rights of indigenous peoples in adherence of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, implementing measures that are culturally appropriate and valuing diversity as social wealth.
For the development of decarbonization projects, at Grupo México we actively collaborate with governments, where applicable and in accordance with each country’s regulatory framework, regarding the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) of affected indigenous communities. We recognize that FPIC is a fundamental right of indigenous peoples and that the State has the primary obligation to guarantee it. In Mexico, the competent authority conducts FPIC, and we maintain constant dialogue with communities through citizen participation mechanisms.
However, and in order to maintain proper conduct and responsible relationships with the communities where we operate, especially those with an indigenous presence, our commitment is based on the following pillars:
Our Commitment to Indigenous Communities
- Our institutional framework includes a Human Rights Policy based on international standards, such as ILO Convention 169, and a specific policy on Respect for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Communities. Furthermore, we have implemented an Indigenous Peoples Engagement Protocol, developed by a third-party expert. This protocol guides our staff’s management and engagement with indigenous peoples who could be impacted by our operations and projects and incorporates phases similar to those contemplated by Free, Prior, and and Informed Consent (FPIC).
- Our General Policy on Respect for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Communities was developed with the technical support of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). In it, we reaffirm our commitment to actively collaborate with authorities, where applicable and in accordance with each country’s legal framework, in Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) processes.
- Additionally, we have permanent citizen participation mechanisms that allow us to maintain an open and constant channel of dialogue with communities. These include:
- Support and Attention Center
- Participatory consultation diagnoses
- Transparent communication of various operational stages
- Collaborative citizen committees
- Perception studies
- Multisectoral regional development plans
- All our energy projects include detailed Social Impact Assessments. These assessments contain specific sections dedicated to community characterization, which allows us to thoroughly understand their social and cultural context.
- During the construction and operation phases of our projects, in both the Mexican and Peruvian units of the Mining Division and those of the Infrastructure Division, we conduct participatory social diagnoses. These diagnoses are updated every two years and aim primarily to proactively mitigate negative impacts and enhance positive ones. They are based on the methodology of the Social Impact Assessments promoted by the Ministry of Energy for the energy sector in Mexico, and the Environmental Impact Assessment of the National Environmental Certification Service of the Ministry of the Environment in Peru.
At Grupo México, our commitment is materialized through constant and transparent dialogue, ensuring that the voices of communities are heard and considered in the development of our projects. We are dedicated to a just and equitable energy transition, in full respect of the human and cultural rights of all involved groups.