A Seat at the Table: Advancing the Fight Against Human Trafficking in Mexico
There are moments in this work that feel like true turning points—moments when years of faith, persistence, and partnership begin to open doors that once felt out of reach.
This year is one of those moments. It is a blessing to share with you a victory that God has granted us this year.
In 2026, ZOE Mexico was invited to join the State Observatory “Oaxaca United Against Trafficking,” a government-recognized body supported by the Human Rights Ombudsman’s Office. While that may sound like a formal title, what it really means is this: ZOE now has a voice in the rooms where decisions are made.
A voice that can advocate for children.
A voice that can influence systems.
A voice that can help shape how an entire region responds to human trafficking.
Why This Matters
Human trafficking doesn’t exist in isolation. It thrives in the gaps—between systems, between institutions, and between communities who don’t yet see how critical it is to work together.
Instead of only responding after exploitation has already happened, ZOE Mexico is now helping shape how trafficking is prevented, identified, and addressed at a systemic level and represents an opportunity to directly influence the government, education, tourism, and judicial sectors. That’s why this opportunity is so significant.
Because of this new role, ZOE Mexico is currently helping move forward two key initiatives:
- Protecting Children Through the Tourism Industry: Hotels and motels can unknowingly become places where trafficking occurs. ZOE Mexico is partnering with the Ministry of Tourism to create training that helps staff recognize warning signs and respond appropriately.
- Strengthening the Justice System’s Response:
ZOE Mexico is also working alongside the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for High-Impact Crimes to build stronger bridge between community organizations and law enforcement. This leads to better communication, stronger cases, and a clearer path to justice for victims.
We remain steadfast in our mission, knowing that God is positioning ZOE Mexico to bring justice and protection to our nation.
The Bigger Picture
Human trafficking is complex and multifaceted. It doesn’t have a single solution and it can’t be solved by one group alone. This requires coordination from those who work in…
- Public Safety
- Justice
- Health
- Education
- Social development
- Labor unions
- Migration
- Human rights organizations
In other words, it requires everyone.
A Call That Echoes Across Oaxaca
“Oaxaca society demands clear action—not speeches. Families affected by this crime need real and concrete answers. The creation of this Inter-Secretarial Commission sends a strong message: In Oaxaca, human trafficking will not be tolerated. Human dignity is not for sale. The magnitude of human trafficking demands more than political will. It requires coordination, strategy, and unwavering commitment. For this reason, we respectfully call upon the state government, municipalities, public institutions, the private sector, and civil society, through everyone present here today, to join efforts for the creation and implementation of this Inter-Secretarial Commission. Oaxaca and Mexico must become territory of protection, justice, and human rights,” shares Mariela Ambrosio, ZOE Mexico’s Director.
Why Your Support Matters
This kind of influence doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of years of trust-building, consistent presence, and faithful investment.
And it’s made possible because people like you chose to care.
When you support ZOE, you’re not only helping rescue and restore children, you’re helping transform entire systems so fewer children are ever trafficked in the first place.
You’re helping shape a future where justice is not a victory to strive for but the standard.
View Mariela’s full speech HERE.