**Tijuana’s Zona Norte Workers Demand Medical Care and an End to Police Harassment**
On October 7, 2024, sex workers from Tijuana’s Zona Norte gathered with the Municipal Government Secretary, Arnulfo Guerrero León, to voice their urgent demands for medical care and an end to harassment by municipal police officers. During the meeting, Guerrero León emphasized the government’s commitment to upholding respect and supporting the needs of this workforce. “We will not tolerate any harassment against any of you. There is zero tolerance for harassment by municipal entities. Authorities across all levels should protect you, not harass you, as this government is fully inclusive,” stated the municipal official.
The meeting resulted in an agreement to hold monthly working sessions starting October 25, 2024, to prioritize the workers’ needs and ensure their human rights are respected. Representing the sex workers were Verónica Roque from the organization Vanguardia Libre, Mujeres Marías Magdalenas, and Susana Barrales, president of the association Casita de Unión Trans. Both expressed trust that the new administration would honor the agreements made during the meeting.
Also present at the meeting were representatives from relevant departments such as the Inspection and Verification, Diversity and Inclusion, the Municipal Women’s Institute, and the Municipal Directorate of Prevention, Control and Sanitation, which is responsible for providing medical care to the sex workers.
**Secondary Article: Ongoing Challenges Faced by Tijuana’s Zona Norte Workers**
Sex workers in Tijuana’s Zona Norte continue to face challenges, despite recent promises from municipal authorities. Advocacy groups report that a lack of consistent medical services and ongoing police harassment remain significant concerns. There have been allegations of abusive treatment by police, with workers frequently subjected to fines or detentions during raids, which advocates argue are often unjustified.
Organizations supporting sex workers within Zona Norte emphasize the importance of building trust between authorities and the community. They argue that establishing safe environments for sex workers not only promotes public health but also strengthens community well-being. Efforts from organizations like Vanguardia Libre and Casita de Unión Trans play a crucial role in advocating for rights and protections for these workers.
With new commitments from local government for regular dialogues, hope remains that sustainable solutions can be developed, addressing both health needs and the reduction of discrimination and violence against sex workers in the region. However, there is cautious optimism, with a clear acknowledgment that systemic change will require consistent effort and accountability from all parties involved.