A Congresswoman in Mexico has proposed a new law against human trafficking, a growing problem as drug cartels become involved in trafficking women and children for sex. Congresswoman Rosi Orozco, the sponsor of the proposed law, stated that although drug traffickers often go to prison, those who are involved in trafficking women have found complete impunity under current laws.
Mexico first passed a law against human trafficking in 2007, but convictions have been rare. The Human Rights Commission in Mexico estimates that 10,000 women have been victims of human trafficking, yet there have only been three convictions under the current law. Still, activists are hopeful that things are starting to change; with an increase in recent raids, the appointment of Mexico’s first female attorney general, Marisela Morales, and the newly proposed law aimed to curb trafficking in women.
Mexico’s President, Felipe Calderon spoke in favor of the law, saying “With this new law, we will all be obliged to act, and no authority can say it’s not my responsibility or turn a blind eye to the terrible crime of human trafficking.”
Compiled from: Mexican Cartels move into human trafficking, The Washington Post, Mexico alters constitution to balance human trafficking, Day Breaking News. (3 August, 2011).