The site of advanced Amerindian civilizations, Mexico came under Spanish rule for three centuries before achieving independence early in the 19th century. A devaluation of the peso in late 1994 threw Mexico into economic turmoil, triggering the worst recession in over half a century. The nation continues to make an impressive recovery. Ongoing economic and social concerns include low real wages, underemployment for a large segment of the population, inequitable income distribution, and few advancement opportunities for the largely Amerindian population in the impoverished southern states. Elections held in July 2000 marked the first time since the 1910 Mexican Revolution that the opposition defeated the party in government, the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). Vicente FOX of the National Action Party (PAN) was sworn in on 1 December 2000 as the first chief executive elected in free and fair elections.

- From the CIA World Fact Book Web Site, http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook

In August, 2006, we will implement the Women’s Children’s Security Center (WCSRC or the
Center) in Mexico.

The Center will directly fund mentorship programs to train local NGO staff on
financial accountability, fundraising, advocacy, and victim assistance in order
to involve the widest possible group of local NGOs in the collaborative effort
to combat trafficking.  

1.        Subcontract with Local NGOs to build capacity in identified areas of need
           focusing on victim support and prosecution, law enforcement development.
2.        Consult with these Local NGO Partners and Governmental officials on the
           Location, Design and Capacities of the Proposed WCSRC
3.        Lease Requisite Space and Establish a Computer Lab and Trafficking Library
4.        Establish Collaborative Anti-Trafficking Environment and Local Control and
           Operation of the WCSRC, through NGO and local Management Committees
5.        Document Best Practices for Anti-Trafficking Projects for the Widest Possible
           Dissemination within Mexico.

Photograph of Mexico City from: http://www.usgcrp.gov/usgcrp/images