Human Rights Watch recently called upon the Congress of Mexico City to give serious consideration to a proposal introduced by the coalition Cuidados Sí; Apoyos También. This proposal advocates for a comprehensive rights-based framework focusing on autonomy, participation, and independent living, which is imperative for care and support legislation. This coalition, a collective of various advocacy groups, urges legislators to prioritize the voices of individuals directly impacted by these laws.
The coalition comprises prominent organizations such as Mexicanas con Discapacidad, Women Enabled International, Movimiento de Personas con Discapacidad, alongside human rights entities like Yo También, Human Rights Watch, and Documenta. According to Carlos Ríos Espinosa, associate director at Human Rights Watch, it is crucial for the Congress to consider the insights and lived experiences of people with disabilities, underscoring their role as active rights holders rather than passive recipients of care.
The core of the proposal is the inclusion of a dedicated chapter on support for independent living within the current care and support bills under review by the Congress. Such an inclusion would align Mexico City’s policies more closely with international human rights protocols, including the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which Mexico ratified in 2007. This move would also fulfill regional commitments like the Tlatelolco Commitment and coincide with guidance from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.
According to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography, approximately 20.8 million people, or 16% of Mexico’s population, live with a documented disability as of the 2020 census. The implementation of this policy framework could significantly decrease the rates of institutionalization, champion independent living, and tackle socioeconomic barriers exacerbated by disabilities according to legal experts.
This legislative push comes amidst broader efforts to reevaluate existing disability policies, as seen in countries around the world striving to enhance the autonomy and inclusion of individuals with disabilities. By moving towards a framework that reflects these values of choice and self-determination, Mexico City has an opportunity to set a precedent that resonates far beyond its borders.