Recently, 43 cases of human trafficking have been reported in Yucatán, a social problem that remains latent, and authorities identify the state as a “high-risk zone” due to its geographical location, where poverty and migration prevail.
This social problem reached its peak during the pandemic: in 2020, there were 20 cases of trafficking, and the year before, in 2019, there were 11 cases. However, since then, it has experienced a decline until the most recent year.
A study by Hispanics in Philanthropy, endorsed by the Senate of the Republic, warns that nine municipalities in Yucatán are considered “recruitment zones,” where there is a higher risk of becoming victims. These municipalities are Ticul, Tekax, Oxkutzcab, Peto, Motul, Izamal, Kanasín, Umán, and Conkal.
The study points out that the main victims are indigenous girls between 10 and 16 years old, LGBTIQ+ population, male and female teenagers and adults, indigenous people, and migrants. The main sectors of exploitation include construction, domestic service, selling products in tourist areas, forced begging, sexual exploitation, forced labor, forced marriage, sexual exploitation, and illicit activities of organized crime.
Contrary to the rest of the country, Yucatán is experiencing a reduction in human trafficking cases; however, it remains a constant threat. Recently, after the death of Iker, who was killed while begging on a street in Mérida, the case of children from Chiapas allegedly victims of this crime was revealed. The investigation remains ongoing and could impact the statistics for 2023.
In this context, Yucatán marks this July 30th, the World Day against Trafficking in Persons – declared by the UN in 2013 – with a gradual decrease in the crime. However, a report by Hispanics in Philanthropy (HIP) warns of a “high risk” in the Southeastern region of Mexico.
Nevertheless, the reality in Yucatán, Oaxaca, and Chiapas does not differ regarding the difficulties, but there is a presence of human trafficking in private settings (domestic service, construction, crafts selling, tourist areas, etc.), making detection and timely rescue of victims even more challenging.
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