Save The Children - Families

The campaign shows how criminal groups treat children and teenagers in Mexico

As part of the month of the child, this graphic campaign shows how criminal groups treat children and teenagers in Mexico, enlist them and shape them to become hitmen or criminals.

Girls, boys, and teenagers should have the right to a safe environment at home, in school, and within their communities. Unfortunately, in Mexico, this right is often violated, especially among those living in poverty. Organised crime recruits thousands of them.

Studies by the National Citizen Observatory and Redim in 2020 estimated that between 100,000 to 200,000 children and teenagers are affected. These youths find themselves ensnared in criminal networks, losing their innocence and being forced into illicit activities that threaten their future.

Inspired by the everyday situations of traditional families, such as playing soccer, learning to drive or watching television, we wanted to show how everyday organised crime families that recruit and exploit children have become.