U.S. Department of State

The U.S. Government recognizes the importance of preventing and deterring conflict by working with and through partners and allies. We have come to realize that the global challenges and opportunities of the future will demand a greater scale, more resources, and more strategic focus on our diplomacy and development efforts. One such effort is the Merida Initiative. The Merida Initiative is an unprecedented partnership between the United States and Mexico to fight organized crime and associated violence while furthering respect for human rights and the rule of law. Based on principles of shared responsibility, mutual trust, and respect for sovereign independence, the two countries’ efforts have built confidence that is transforming the bilateral relationship.

Enhancing Citizen Safety

Under the Merida Initiative, the United States has forged strong partnerships to improve citizen safety in affected areas to fight drug trafficking, organized crime, corruption, illicit arms trafficking, money-laundering, and demand for drugs on both sides of the border.

Bilateral efforts are being accelerated to support stronger democratic institutions, especially police, justice systems, and civil society organizations; to expand our border focus beyond interdiction of contraband to include facilitation of legitimate trade and travel; and to build strong and resilient communities able to withstand the pressures of crime and violence.

Merida Programs and Activities

• The United States is supporting Mexico’s implementation of comprehensive justice sector reforms through the training of justice sector personnel including police, prosecutors, and defenders, correction systems development, judicial exchanges, and partnerships between Mexican and U.S. law schools.
• The U.S. Government has provided scanners, X-ray machines, and other non-intrusive inspection equipment to enhance Mexican authorities’ ability to detect illicit goods at key checkpoints of land and air ports of entry.
• The Mexican Government has established a corrections academy to train Mexican Federal correctional staff at Xalapa in Mexico’s Veracruz state.
• The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is partnering with the Government of Mexico and civil society to promote the rule of law and build strong and resilient communities by supporting the implementation of Mexico’s new justice system; increasing knowledge of, and respect for, human rights; strengthening social networks and community cohesion; addressing the needs of vulnerable populations (youth and victims of crime); and increasing community and government cooperation.

Secretary of State Clinton, center, left, meets with Mexican Foreign Minister Espinosa, center, right, during meetings at the Alhondiga de Granadits in Guanajuato, Mexico. Clinton traveled to Mexico on a one-day trip for meetings on border security and drug trafficking, January 24, 2011. ©AP Image