A group of around 150 Baptist Christians who were forcibly displaced from their villages in a region of Mexico have moved to the neighbouring state of Veracruz after authorities failed to honour an agreement allowing for the return of the group and guaranteeing freedom of religion or belief for all.

The group from the Great Commission Fundamental Baptist Church were forced to move from their villages of Coamila and Rancho Nuevo in April after local authorities said religious minority groups wouldn't be tolerated.

Those who chose to stay were told they would have their movements strictly monitored to enforce a prohibition on any contact with their counterparts, many of whom are relatives, who resettled in Veracruz.

The group has moved in stages from Hidalgo to Chalma, Veracruz, where they were offered an opportunity to rent land to buy later. They are currently living in tents while they await government aid.

While members of the displaced group were initially optimistic that they would be able to return to their homes and practice their religion without hindrance following the signing of an agreement in September, brokered by state and municipal officials with the cooperation of the village authorities and the displaced community, village leaders quickly reneged on key provisions of the agreement. Contrary to the stipulations of the agreement, those who returned to the villages were informed that they would be obliged to make financial contributions to the local Roman Catholic church, and while they would not be forced to particate in Roman Catholic events, they would be expected to pay associated fees. The village authorities also communicated that they would not be permitted to speak about their religious beliefs and placed a ban on any conversions.

Finally, the members of the religious minority were informed that that they would not be reinstated on community rolls for another year, meaning they would be barred from accessing health, education and other government benefits, to ensure they complied with the above conditions.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) co-Director of Advocacy, Anna Lee Stangl, said:

"We are deeply disappointed that yet again the Mexican government at every level - municipal, state and federal - has neglected its responsibility to uphold constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion or belief and has placed the responsibility to resolve the egregious violation of their fundamental rights on the victims...

"We call on the Mexican government, once again, to take steps to ensure that freedom of religion or belief is protected for all, including indigenous people, and to combat a culture of impunity around freedom of religion or belief violations by holding individuals responsible for these crimes to account in a court of law."