US Government Calls Mexican Officials Complicit in Human Trafficking Elena Toledo - PanAm Post
go to original June 28, 2017

The Department of State recently said in a statement that despite abundant information from 2016 showing that the country’s officials are involved in human trafficking, authorities reported no “investigation, prosecution or conviction” related to the issue. (emaze)

The United States has accused officials in Mexico of being complicit to human trafficking after a new report revealed widespread impunity for those involved in the crime.

The US Department of State recently said in a statement that despite abundant information from 2016 showing that the country’s officials are involved in human trafficking, authorities reported no “investigation, prosecution or conviction” to combat issue.

“Human trafficking is one of the most tragic human rights issues of our time,” Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said. “It splinters families, distorts global markets, undermines the rule of law, and spurs other transnational criminal activity. It threatens public safety and national security.”

The report concluded that China was the worst offender worldwide. But Tillerson said Mexico is also an egregious offender, and that the problem needs to be addressed.

“Some officials extort adults involved in prostitution and children who are victims of sexual trafficking with bribes and sexual services,” Tillerson said. “They extort illegal immigrants, including victims of human trafficking. They falsify victims’ documents.”

According to the State Department, Mexico is not only a transit country for immigrants trying to reach the United States, but also a destination for men, women and children who have fallen victim to sex trafficking or forced labor.

Read the rest at PanAm Post | Español

Related: Border Patrol, Mexican Government Partner to Combat Human Smuggling (CBP.gov)

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