On March 22, 2025, Leonardo Kerman, the coordinator of the Labor Training Service of the Espacios Foundation, shared his thoughts on inclusion during an interview with AGNoticias. His insights come as the world commemorates March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day, a date dedicated to raising awareness about the autonomy and independence of people with disabilities.
Kerman reflected on the concept of inclusion, indicating that it requires a broader dialogue about the factors that lead to exclusion and segregation. "As a society, we are quite fragmented and isolated. What used to be public spaces where we interacted are diminishing, and in that context, being able to include and build connections is fundamental," he explained, emphasizing that inclusion is a mutual process. "It's not that one group includes another; we are including each other mutually."
This idea of mutual inclusion resonates strongly within various domains such as education, family, sports, work, justice, and politics. Kerman noted, "While significant progress has been made in recent years, we must also rectify situations that have become outdated, including certain obsolete legislations."
Coinciding with this discourse, the governor of Chiapas, Eduardo Ramírez Aguilar, highlighted the role of businesses in fostering a more equitable society. On March 21, Ramírez Aguilar participated in the presentation of the Empresa Respetuosa de los Derechos Humanos award, an initiative that acknowledges businesses for their efforts to respect human rights.
During the event, he commended the business community for its contributions toward building a just and inclusive Chiapas. Ramírez Aguilar urged business leaders to continue promoting inclusion, particularly for individuals with disabilities in the workplace. "I invite entrepreneurs to incorporate people with disabilities in the labor sphere, as doing so is an act of fraternity that will lead us to become a better society," he articulated, reinforcing the idea that respect for human rights starts with self-respect.
The governor also reassured attendees that in the initial 100 days of his administration, efforts have been made to reestablish order and ensure that human rights are upheld in law enforcement. He expressed his commitment to work closely with the State Human Rights Commission to protect human rights in every government action.
Horacio Culebro Borrayas, president of the State Human Rights Commission, acknowledged that the award presentations serve as tributes to humanism and social justice in the private sector. He called on more businesses to join this initiative—strengthening a culture of respect for worker rights.
Oscar Cruz Torres, the president of the Board of Directors of Avanza Sólido, shared that receiving the award bolsters their commitment to reducing inequalities and promoting sustainable development. "This award is an instrument that fosters respect within organizations, favoring strategies that amplify the impact of our actions," he declared.
The event witnessed participation from prominent officials, including Luis Ignacio Avendaño Bermúdez, the president of the Board of Directors of the State Congress, and Bertha Flores Sánchez, the president of the Legislative Commission of Human Rights, among others from both government and civil society.
Both Kerman and Ramírez Aguilar's messages highlight a collective vision towards a more inclusive future, underscoring the necessity of collaboration between various sectors in society. As the dialogue on inclusion continues to grow, it becomes evident that the path forward is one paved with mutual understanding and respect for diversity.
As society observes initiatives like World Down Syndrome Day and recognizes the roles of various stakeholders, it is essential to remain vigilant and proactive in ensuring that advancements in rights and inclusion do not stagnate. Rather, they must flow alongside a growing recognition of the challenges that still exist and a commitment to addressing them through meaningful legislation and societal engagement.
Both leaders' calls to action serve not only as reminders but as imperatives for a more equitable society where each member's value is recognized, paving the way for an inclusive world that respects and honors human dignity.
