Jalisco Congress seeks to prevent forced recruitment of minors with new law, but leaves it out of criminal code

Jalisco's Congress approved a new law aimed at preventing criminal groups from forcibly recruiting minors, but it did not classify forced recruitment itself as a crime.

The legislation seeks to ensure specialized treatment for children and teenagers who become recruitment victims. It also says authorities must protect their human rights and uphold the best interests of children.

The law distinguishes victims of recruitment from victims of human trafficking, with the stated aim of providing care suited to the specific characteristics and needs of the problem. It sets out the powers of state and municipal authorities and creates cooperation mechanisms for prevention, assistance, and eradication.

The framework also provides for public policies, plans, and actions, along with a data system to identify the scale of the problem, support planning, prevent recruitment, and provide victims with comprehensive assistance and protection.

The full Jalisco Congress separately approved changes to the state penal code. Enforced disappearance will be treated as a continuing and imprescriptible offense, and authorities must pursue it ex officio once they learn of its existence through any source or report.