Enrique V. Iglesias, President of the Inter-American Development Bank, emphasized the importance of expanding opportunities for people who suffer from some sort of discrimination, whether because of origin, physical condition, religious or political creed, sexual orientation or lifestyle.
“Expanding the abilities and opportunities of these individuals is key to development,” said Iglesias at an international anti-discrimination forum in Mexico City. “A greater opening gives all people the chance to participate in society and put the benefits of progress to good use. Discrimination is an assault on this progress, and there is increasing evidence that the costs of discrimination are very high, for nations as much as for individuals. We must fight this evil that wounds our consciences and our daily lives,” Iglesias pointed out.
With Mexican president Vicente Fox and Mexican Foreign Affairs Secretary Luis Ernesto Derbez at his side, Iglesias opened the International Forum on Nondiscrimination. This two-day meeting was organized jointly by the IDB and the National Council to Prevent Discrimination (CONAPRED) of Mexico. The forum seeks to analyze the economic, fiscal and judicial challenges of implementing anti-discrimination laws in the region. In addition, it seeks to support the governments and human rights organizations of Latin America and the Caribbean in preventing discrimination, and other issues related to social exclusion.