Reem Alsalem, the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls, recently addressed the Mexican Senate, emphasizing the pressing need to strengthen public policies, institutional frameworks, and resources dedicated to the protection of women and girls. She remarked that without adequate funding and proper structures, regulations fail to achieve their intended outcomes. Alsalem highlighted existing challenges, such as the lack of shelters for women fleeing violence, impunity in femicide cases, and the absence of clear pathways for supporting victims.

During her meeting with the Senate's Gender Equality Commission, Alsalem also discussed significant issues such as prostitution and surrogacy. She expressed concern over the trend of normalizing the exploitation of women and girls, which aligns with broader issues of gender-based violence. Furthermore, she proposed adopting a Nordic model to address prostitution, where the purchase of sexual services is penalized while simultaneously providing comprehensive support to victims. This approach aims to tackle the root causes of exploitation while protecting those involved.

Alsalem's statements reflect a critical view of the current state of policies related to gender violence in Mexico. This discussion comes at a pivotal time as the country faces alarmingly high rates of violence against women. Her recommendations underscore the necessity for action from policymakers to create an environment that prioritizes the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations, especially women and girls, in order to combat ongoing violence and discrimination.