Amparo Law Reform Puts Quintana Roo at Risk

Quintana Roo, Mexico — A proposed reform to the Amparo Law has generated unease among specialists and civil society organizations in Quintana Roo, as some of the proposed changes could limit the mechanisms for citizens to defend themselves against government actions.

The president of the Observatorio Quintana Roo, Eduardo Galaviz Ibarra, explained that while the initiative contemplates technological and administrative advances—such as the creation of a digital system for filing complaints and the reduction of sentence execution times to 60 days—it also includes concerning modifications regarding the legal standing for amparo, meaning who can file such petitions and under what circumstances.

"There are positive points in the proposal, but also aspects that could restrict citizens' access to federal justice, especially in cases where government decisions with social or environmental impact are being questioned," warned Galaviz.

The specialist considered that the speed with which the reform is intended to be approved in the federal Congress limits the possibility for a deep analysis and broad citizen participation, which could result in legal vacuums or setbacks in human rights matters.

Furthermore, he emphasized that if the changes are finalized, the way in which citizens of Quintana Roo protect themselves from authorities could be drastically modified, affecting everything from tax conflicts to urban development, tourism, or environmental projects.

Local civil society organizations agreed that it is necessary to open a public dialogue to discuss the initiative and guarantee that the modernization of the judicial system does not weaken the legal defense tools that have for decades protected the fundamental rights of the population.

"The amparo has been an essential figure for balancing power between the State and its citizens. Any change must be made with responsibility and transparency," concluded Galaviz.