Background on Key Figures and Relevance
On the International Day against Human Trafficking, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) issued an alert regarding the alarming rise of human trafficking in Mexico, particularly its direct connection to organized crime structures.
The UNODC and IOM, under the theme “Human Trafficking is Organized Crime: End Exploitation,” highlighted that trafficking represents one of the most severe forms of systematic violence and a direct threat to human rights. The situation in Mexico is particularly concerning.
Key Findings from the Annual Report on Human Trafficking 2024-2025
According to the Annual Report on Human Trafficking 2024-2025 by the Citizen Council for Security and Justice in Mexico City, during the first half of 2025, there was an 86% increase in reports related to child pornography compared to the same period in 2024.
Of the total reports classified as trafficking, 62% correspond to this form of exploitation, while the remaining 38% is distributed across eight other trafficking modalities.
Vulnerable Groups and Modus Operandi
Children and adolescents remain the most affected groups. Most cases involve teenagers between 12 and 17 years old, with women making up 59% of the victims.
Criminal networks exploit social media, online video games, and dating apps to lure victims, often using false promises or threats.
Impact on Indigenous, Afro-Mexican Communities and Migrants
The UNODC and IOM have documented worrying findings about the relationship between human trafficking and organized crime in indigenous and Afro-Mexican communities, as well as among migrant populations.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main concern raised by the UNODC and IOM? The alarming rise of human trafficking in Mexico, particularly its direct link to organized crime.
- What is the theme of this year’s International Day against Human Trafficking? “Human Trafficking is Organized Crime: End Exploitation.”
- What percentage of trafficking reports in Mexico is related to child pornography? 62% of the total trafficking reports are linked to child pornography.
- Which groups are most affected by human trafficking in Mexico? Children and adolescents, with women making up 59% of the victims.
- How do criminal networks attract their victims? Through social media, online video games, and dating apps using false promises or threats.
- Which communities are particularly vulnerable to human trafficking in Mexico? Indigenous, Afro-Mexican communities and migrant populations.
