On Wednesday December 14, during the launch of the “Training Program UNODC-CNS Security Enhancement of Groups in Vulnerable Situations”, U.S. Ambassador Roberta Jacobson made the following remarks:
“Good morning everyone, It gives me great pleasure to take part in the launch of this program that will benefit many women that deserve our support. I would like to recognize Ambassador Miguel Ruíz Cabañas, Deputy Secretary for Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Renato Sales Heredia of the National Security Commission, and Mr. Antonio Mazzitelli of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, as well as other distinguished guests.
“Gender violence and, more specifically, violence against women knows no boundaries, age, race or social condition. In other words, it does not discriminate. According to the United Nations, one in three women around the world has been a victim of violence. We cannot accept this number as a reality. That is why, through the Merida Initiative, the U.S. Embassy has supported the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the National Security Commission in the development and launch of a training program on gender-based violence aimed at state-level preventive police, as well as the personnel working at the emergency call centers.
U.S. Ambassador Roberta Jacobson (Photo: El Universal)
“This training aims to build their knowledge, which will be crucial in emergency situations in order to provide immediate support to women in crisis and guide them to help and shelter in the network of Women’s Justice Centers. It is not only the responsibility of the victim to look for help; it is the first responder’s responsibility to guide her to the available resources.
“This program acknowledges that gender-based violence is not a private matter, but instead something that affects the community. The protection of the law does not end when one enters their home or workplace. I congratulate the government of Mexico for their efforts through CONAVIM to establish the Women’s Justice Centers to offer comprehensive support to all victims. We are happy to support these centers and with this new program and the expertise of the United Nations, we will further integrate the police and first response centers.
“I invite you all to offer solidarity to all women who suffer aggressions and who at times cannot find support. Let us be the link that will make the difference between life and death in many occasions, between victimization, and the breaking of the vicious cycle of gender-based violence. I would like to thank all the people and institutions involved in this program, and emphasize that this is just one of many programs to come to enhance and consolidate the support provided throughout Mexico. Congratulations to all of you! Thank you.”
Press release by the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City
