International Narcotics and Law Enforcement – Mexico Rule of Law Program (Annual Program Statement)

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. Under the Merida Initiative, the United States has forged strong partnerships to support Mexico's efforts towards implementation of criminal justice reforms at the federal and state levels. Ultimately, this project should support the goals of the INL Rule of Law (ROL) Program. The two over-arching goals of the ROL program are (1) to support Mexico's transition to and implementation of an oral, adversarial and accusatory criminal justice system and (2) to address important institutional weaknesses, particularly those which exacerbate the problem of impunity.