Yucatan Begins First National Campaign Against Human Trafficking in Indigenous Languages Raul Ponce de Leon Curmina - The Yucatan Times
go to original November 28, 2012

Yucatan became the first state in the country to launch a national campaign in indigenous languages against human trafficking. This comes after already starting the works of diffusion, training and prevention of this crime in the Yucatec Maya language. The project will be considered as a model to be replicated among ethnic groups across the country.

Governor Rolando Zapata Bello and President of the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) Raúl Plascencia Villanueva, headed the start of this crusade, which in its first stage consists of: radio spots and posters translated into 10 indigenous languages, including Maya, Mixe, Mixtec, Nahuatl, Otomi, Purepecha and Tzeltal.

As part of the actions taken by this campaign, the Governor also signed and witnessed the signing of several cooperation agreements between national and state organizations of Human Rights with the three levels of government, this unprecedented event will open the path to training activities and promotion of individual freedom.

One of the actions to be taken on this campaign is to train the interpreters of indigenous languages, the prosecutors, the judicial police and experts from the Attorney General Office to enable them to provide better care of victims, also personnel of INDEMAYA will be fulfill the role of dissemination to the indigenous peoples and communities in the state.

In the presence of actress Kate del Castillo, Ambassador of the CNDH against human trafficking, representatives of civil society organizations, educational institutions, senators and deputies, the state governor said that these actions in Yucatan show that there is a full conviction to fight against human trafficking with the full force of justice.

“The worst thing you can do is to act with nonchalance and silence. Prevention is the best way to eradicate this crime; it implies that all of society and government is responsible of being vigilant and to be aware that only through coordinated actions can we end the scourges that decreases our security and peace.”

The event was held in the Convention Center, Yucatan Siglo XXI, where the Governor explained that according to international reports this type of crime has grown worldwide, therefore he insisted to join efforts against this modern form of slavery.

Lastly,Governor Zapata Bello, noted that the indigenous population is the most vulnerable people in the country that is why it is necessary to take concrete actions to respond to the cultural reality of their communities, he also praised the efforts made by the CNDH and The National Institute of Indigenous Languages for this campaign.

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