Senator Adriana Dávila Fernández Presents Anti-Trafficking Initiative

MEXICO CITY, February 1, 2013 – U.S. Ambassador Anthony Wayne met Senator Adriana Dávila Fernández, president of the Senate Trafficking in Persons Committee to discuss efforts to prevent trafficking in persons, to prosecute traffickers, and to offer protection to victims.

Senator Dávila unveiled an ambitious plan for a TIP-themed national conference of legislators. Planned for an early March launch, this initiative would bring together local, state and federal lawmakers with members of the Senate Trafficking in Persons Committee to provide legislative observation and monitor development of anti-trafficking programs.

“Trafficking in persons is fluid, responding to market demands, vulnerabilities in laws, corruption, weak penalties, and economic instability,” Ambassador Wayne said.  “This crime is not limited to one gender, faith, or geographical area, but impacts individuals and societies across our nations and across the globe.  I look forward to working together with Senator Dávila and her colleagues on this and other projects as our nations combat these crimes.” 

Ambassador Wayne also emphasized continuing U.S. interest in cooperating with Mexico on anti-TIP initiatives, particularly supporting NGOs that work with victims and dismantling international trafficking rings.