The U.S. State Department has concluded that Mexico doesn't comply with their human rights standards, so it decided to put a stop to their $5 million dollar funding towards Mexico's fight against the drug cartels, which is part of the Mérida Initiative.

The amount isn't that big when comparing them to other government aid, but at the same time sends a clear message that the U.S. isn't all that happy with the violent episodes that have been happening in their southern neighboring country, as well as with accusations of torture and forced disappearances carried out even by authorities. One of the most recent examples was the case of the disappearance of 43 Ayotzinapa students last year.

Through the Mérida Initiative, an important U.S. program created to help the fight against Mexico's drug cartels, Congress has channeled since 2008 $2.3 billion dollars towards acquiring equipment, such as helicopters, and border sensors, as well as training programs for thousands of Mexican officials, this according to information from The Washington Post.

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The Obama administration made the "de-certification" of Peña Nieto's government for failing to abide with the necessary requirements set by Congress regarding human rights, for which they'll have to withhold 15% of the funds destined towards fighting the drug war.

The Post specified that in order to release those funds every year, Mexico's Foreign Ministry is required to explain to Congress the steps that Mexico is taking to solve these issues. But this year, they opted not to create this report. The total Mérida Initiative's funding for this year was of $148 million dollars.

Via Univision

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Translated by: edgar.martinez@sandiegored.com