World Cup Raises Domestic Violence Risk

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Levels of domestic violence can even double during a major sporting event, according to international statistics, a reason why authorities in Quintana Roo will need to be very vigilant during the upcoming FIFA World Cup, warned Fernando Carrera Castro, representative of UNICEF Mexico.

During a press conference to provide details of an upcoming collaboration agreement to be signed with the government of the state of Quintana Roo, the expert indicated that the consumption of substances, especially alcohol, during sporting events commonly causes an increase in levels of domestic violence.

Internationally, it is estimated that 20 percent of households are affected by violence, a figure that increases by 30 percent during these sporting events, he stated.

Beyond that, Cancún and Quintana Roo will be a very relevant location for the 2026 World Cup, both as a port of entry for many foreigners and due to the high number of people believed to vacation here after the tournament concludes.

With this increase, vigilance is required to ensure that people do not arrive seeking to sexually exploit minors.

"It is necessary to ally with the tourism sector so they can support in facilitating reports in potential cases of child exploitation," commented the UNICEF representative, who argued that these workers should transform into "sentinels" against these practices.

"If they see something, they should say something," he stated.

Agreement

This Wednesday, UNICEF will sign a collaboration agreement with the state government of Quintana Roo to precisely reinforce the protection of children and also improve the health and nutrition of these minors.

Representatives of this international organization have already held meetings with staff from various state agencies, such as DIF, the Secretary of Health, the Secretary of Public Security, and the Secretary of Tourism, in addition to the Judiciary, to explore ways to reduce the commercial sexual exploitation of children, strengthen institutional capacities, and address levels of childhood obesity.

"UNICEF does not sign agreements for photo opportunities, but to have an impact," he stated.

In fact, starting next year and for the next six years, this organization intends to have a permanent presence in the Yucatán Peninsula to influence these issues.