The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mrs Mary Robinson, concluded her five-day visit to Mexico yesterday, recommending that the Mexican government reduce the huge military presence in Chiapas state in south-east Mexico.
"The mere presence of the army undermines the sense of security of some indigenous communities", Mrs Robinson said in an interview with The Irish Times. Her comments came at the end of a two-day visit to Chiapas, in which she met government officials, human rights workers, church, indigenous and business representatives.
Mrs Robinson criticised the army's special military justice system, whereby cases involving civilians and army personnel are resolved exclusively by military courts, with no civilian input.
The commissioner suggested that a military ombudsman be considered, a proposal championed by a dissident army general, Jose Francisco Gallardo, currently serving 28 years in prison on charges of car theft.
Gen Gallardo's case was investigated by the Inter-American Human Rights Court, which demanded his immediate release with compensation, a judgment ignored by the Mexican government.
Mrs Robinson praised the Mexican government's willingness to acknowledge abuses, but insisted that such recognition be accompanied by action on the ground. "The army safeguards the security of the civilian population regardless of their political affiliation," responded Mr Emilio Rabasa, the government's co-ordinator in Chiapas.
The overwhelming military presence has irrevocably altered community life, as village lands are forcibly occupied, violating not only the Mexican constitution but the Geneva Convention.
In a meeting in San Cristobal, human rights defenders drew Mrs Robinson's attention to the case of Mr Jose Hidalgo, a local human rights activist who was "disappeared" two months ago.
The highlight of the visit to Chiapas was Mrs Robinson's emotional encounter last Friday with survivors of the Acteal massacre, in which 45 unarmed Zapatista sympathisers were shot and hacked to death as they prayed at a village church in December 1997.
"We come to you from our hearts," said Mr Antonio Gutierrez, a community leader, who gave a lengthy presentation on the aftermath of the massacre. "I will take your reality with me," responded Mrs Robinson.
That evening, Mrs Robinson addressed a group of Chiapas business people who outlined their vision of the conflict. "It was very disappointing," said Mrs Robinson, "they didn't have any appreciation of the pain and suffering of the people that I met earlier today. They see the conflict as a matter of security and order, so that everything is all right for doing business."
The business delegation was less than impressed with Mrs Robinson. "She only wanted to hear proposals to help the indigenous people," said one participant.