President Javier Milei’s government faced backlash for using offensive terms like “idiot” and “mentally deficient” in a disability resolution. Human rights organizations pushed for a repeal of the language, deeming it discriminatory and contrary to international conventions. Following public outcry, the government committed to revising the terminology but maintained that evaluation criteria would remain unchanged. This incident highlights the ongoing discrimination faced by disabled individuals and the need for a more inclusive societal framework.
The recent actions of President Javier Milei’s administration regarding disability language have sparked significant controversy. A resolution issued by the Agencia Nacional de Discapacidad (ANDIS) employed outdated and offensive terms such as “idiot,” “imbecile,” and “mentally deficient” to describe individuals with disabilities in the official documentation, raising alarm among advocacy groups and the public alike.
The resolution, aimed at establishing criteria for evaluating disability allowances, drew widespread condemnation for violating the principles set forth in international human rights conventions ratified by Argentina. Several human rights organizations, including the Asociación Civil por la Igualdad (ACIJ) and Centro de Estudios Legales y Sociales (CELS), called for the immediate repeal of the offensive terminology deemed discriminatory.
In response to the backlash, the Milei government pledged to amend the language used in the resolution, admitting that it would revise the terminology to align with current medical and regulatory standards. Despite these changes, the government insisted that the evaluation criteria would remain unchanged, prompting further scrutiny from human rights advocates.
ANDIS has since announced the dismissal of medical oversight coordinator Miriam Améndola, along with accountability measures aimed at her predecessor, Tatiana Alvarado. Amid the evolving situation, ANDIS chief Diego Spagnuolo acknowledged the gravity of the misuse of language within official documents, although critics noted that he himself was a signatory to the controversial resolution.
The resolution also mirrored language from a 1998 decree established under former president Carlos Menem, reflecting a troubling continuity of archaic terminology. Furthermore, Milei’s offensive rhetoric, which often disparages critics as “idiots” and “brainless,” was highlighted as indicative of a broader attitude that fosters discrimination against people with disabilities.
ACIJ lawyer Agostina Quiroz emphasized the detrimental effects of such derogatory terms, stating that they perpetuate historical prejudices and discrimination faced by disabled individuals. Quiroz advocated for a model shift from a medical focus on disability to a social understanding that emphasizes environmental barriers rather than individual deficiencies.
In a subsequent ACIJ statement, the organization asserted that all disabled individuals can work when provided with the appropriate support, reinforcing the need for a societal shift towards inclusivity. Quiroz further criticized the use of discriminatory language as damaging not only to individuals with disabilities but also to their families and society at large, calling for a more inclusive approach to community building.
The recent controversy surrounding the terminology used by President Milei’s administration underscores a significant disconnect between governmental language and the rights of disabled individuals. While the government has pledged to amend its resolution, the historical context of such terminology highlights enduring issues within societal treatment of disabilities, emphasizing the need for transformative change towards inclusivity and respect for all individuals. Advocacy groups continue to argue for a reformed understanding that focuses on societal barriers rather than antiquated labels.
Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar
