MEXICO CITY, Oct. 4 (Xinhua) -- Mexico signed an agreement Thursday with the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC) and the Canadian Embassy to create a program to combat human trafficking in indigenous communities.

The program "Detection and prevention of human trafficking in indigenous communities" seeks to raise awareness of the issue, especially among women, said Roberto Serrano, who is in charge of Mexico's National Commission for the Development of Indigenous Communities.

In this joint effort, the UNODC will teach women who collaborate with the Casas de la Mujer Indigena (Houses of Indigenous Women) skills such as self-defense to avoid being kidnapped, while the Canadian government will help by financing part of the project.

The launch of the project will help Mexico meets its Agenda 2030 goals, which is an opportunity to change the lives of millions of indigenous women who face barriers due to a lack of recognition and access to basic human rights, said Antonino De Leo, UNODC representative in Mexico.

At the same time, they can receive equal treatment and be empowered when facing situations that can put them at risk, De Leo added.

Canada is committed to the global fight against human trafficking, said Pierre Alarie, Canadian Ambassador to Mexico.

"It's an honor to join UNODC and Mexico's National Commission for the Development of Indigenous Communities in this project," Alarie said, claiming that the project will serve to detect and prevent this crime.

This year, Mexican authorities began special operations to combat human trafficking in Mexico, primarily in the southern part of the country, where trafficking has increased.

Human trafficking has become the third most fruitful illicit business in the world behind drug trafficking and arms smuggling, according to the United Nations. Enditem

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