Mexico's education secretary: Militarized education not authorized, condemns teen's death

Mexico's Secretary of Public Education, Mario Delgado Carrillo, has strongly condemned violence, mistreatment, and abuse within "militarized" summer camps, particularly in light of the recent death of a teenager, Dafne Zapata, in Tamaulipas. Delgado asserted that any justification of such harmful practices under the guise of "military education" is inadmissible and constitutes a flagrant violation of human rights and the principle of the best interests of children.

Delgado clarified that this type of conduct cannot be classified as an educational method or modality. He emphasized that such actions are unacceptable and infringe upon the physical, psychological, and emotional integrity of minors. The Ministry of Public Education (SEP) issued a statement to the public and educational authorities nationwide, reiterating that educational services are not authorized under the designation of "militarized," "military," "military-style," or any similar terms implying military instruction or discipline.

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It is inadmissible that, under supposed 'military education,' acts of abuse, violence, mistreatment, or practices that violate the physical, psychological, or emotional integrity of minors are sought to be justified, normalized, or hidden.

The SEP further specified that military education is strictly confined to the training of personnel within the institutions of the Armed Forces and the National Guard, exclusively provided by the Ministry of National Defense. There are no existing regulations, institutional criteria, or legal frameworks that permit or regulate the delivery of military education in basic education institutions. Consequently, no educational institution holds authorization or recognition to impart military education.

The educational authority in Tamaulipas has indicated that it will take appropriate measures concerning the institution involved in the human rights violations. This action follows the authorization granted in 2005 and updated in 2013 for the provision of educational services under the "militarized" designation. The National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) has also urged an investigation into Dafne Zapata's death and a review of relevant regulations.

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These types of behaviors, in no way, can be classified as a method or modality of education, instruction, training, or discipline that can be exercised inside or outside the educational sphere. On the contrary, they constitute a flagrant and unacceptable violation of human rights and the principle of the best interests of children.