Tulum Citizens Group Files Human Rights Complaint Over Planning Council Rules

Tulum, Quintana Roo — The citizens’ group Tulum Unido has filed a formal complaint with the Quintana Roo State Human Rights Commission against the Tulum city council, arguing that the call for applicants to the Municipal Planning Council for 2024-2027 contains provisions that could violate fundamental rights and restrict civic participation.

The complaint targets the city’s General Directorate of Municipal Planning, which issued the call, and argues that some requirements lack sufficient legal basis or are disproportionate for those seeking to join the citizen body.

Among the points raised, the group highlights a requirement of at least three years of residency in the municipality and a ban on holding party positions or having been a candidate or pre-candidate during that same period. Tulum Unido says these conditions could unjustifiably exclude citizens interested in taking part in local public affairs.

The complaint also challenges the requirement that applicants enjoy a “good reputation and recognition,” arguing that the call does not define objective criteria for determining who meets that condition. This, the group says, opens the door to subjective assessments and discretionary decisions.

Tulum Unido further warns that the selection process lacks clear rules for evaluating applicants’ professional experience, resumes, and interviews, with no methodologies, rubrics, or scoring systems to ensure transparency in choosing council members.

The group also objected to the call declaring the final appointment decisions “not subject to appeal,” which it says limits review mechanisms and legal certainty for participants.

In its request, Tulum Unido asked the Human Rights Commission to open an investigation, require a report from the Tulum city council, and analyze the call in light of the constitution and international human rights treaties.

If irregularities are confirmed, the group asked the commission to issue recommendations to modify the selection process, remove requirements it considers disproportionate, and establish transparent and objective evaluation criteria.

The complaint is currently under review by the state human rights body, and no ruling has been issued on the substance of the matter.