In May, CHILDREN AT RISK hosted 20 guests in Mexico City for a human trafficking and immigration learning tour. The group spent a busy 4 days visiting with local organizations, touring cultural sites, and (of course) enjoying the food! The trip focused on exploring the opportunities for collaboration between non-profit organizations in Mexico and the United States (specifically Texas) to address transnational issues.
The CHILDREN AT RISK group met with the State Prosecutor for Human Trafficking, Guillermina Cabrera Figueroa, and her team, El Pozo de La Vida, Fundación Freedom, and Otros Dreams En Acción (ODA).
Guillermina Cabrera Figueroa is the specialized prosecutor for human trafficking for the State of Mexico. In addition to her anti-trafficking accomplishments in her current position, she has a track record of championing the rights of trafficking victims and providing them services. In this position, Cabrera plays a pivotal role in advancing the office’s ability to investigate and prosecute human trafficking cases. Since joining the Attorney General’s Office, her team has obtained 73 human trafficking convictions, issued 152 indictments for human trafficking, and initiated 941 human trafficking investigations. She continues to be a guiding force, bringing out the best in her team.
She was joined by her colleagues, psychologist José Miguel Hernández Barajas and Lic. Luz Malley Yañez Escobar.
El Pozo De Vida is a NGO that fights against human trafficking in Mexico and Central America. We are committed to the prevention, intervention, and restoration of children, families, and communities who are vulnerable to this crime, so that they can experience freedom and a fresh start in life. They currently have 9 projects that allows them to have influence on a national level in Mexico, as well as to be references on a continental level. They are part of the Regional Coalition against Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Fundación Freedom was born from the commitment to eradicate trafficking and child sexual exploitation, as well as the pain and suffering of thousands of girls and boys. They are dedicated to combating, preventing and raising awareness about trafficking for sexual exploitation of girls and boys. Fundacion Freedom works in coordination with international organizations, civil society and authorities to deal with this problem from different angles.
Otros Dreams en Acción (ODA) is an organization dedicated to mutual support and political action by and for those who grew up in the United States and are now in Mexico due to deportation, deportation of a family member, or threat of deportation.
The C@R group visited Pocha House, ODA’s community center that serves as a place for community, support, and cultural celebration.
We had such a wonderful time with our guests and parnters! Stayed tuned for our next trip!