Mexico City Congress Advances Care System Law with Focus on Vulnerable Populations
Mexico City, April 14, 2026 – The Mexico City Congress continued its deliberative phase for the proposed Mexico City Care System Law this Monday, convening a fourth working group with civil organizations dedicated to defending the human rights of people experiencing homelessness and migrants. This session aimed to gather crucial opinions and proposals from these groups to enrich the preliminary draft of the Care System Law.
Key Legislative Figures Lead the Session
The meeting was led by Deputy Víctor Gabriel Varela López, President of the Commission for Inclusion, Social Welfare, and Enforceability of Social Rights, and Deputy Cecilia Vadillo Obregón, who chairs the Gender Equality Commission. They were joined by Deputy Lizzette Salgado Viramontes, Vice-President of the former commission.
Deputy Varela López announced the launch of a dedicated microsite on the Mexico City Congress’s website for the Care System. This microsite is designed for universal accessibility, featuring sign language interpretation and a scheme for visually impaired individuals. He also highlighted that the content is translated into the three most spoken indigenous languages in the capital.
Origins and Structure of the Proposed Law
Deputy Vadillo Obregón recalled that the Care System Law, currently in its preliminary draft stage, originated from an initiative presented by the Head of Government, Clara Brugada, on October 12, 2025. She added that this legislative instrument has been significantly enriched by observations and contributions from various organizations, collectives, society in general, and political forces represented in the local Congress.
Addressing dozens of participants gathered in the “Nelson Mandela” Hall, the MORENA legislator detailed that the draft law is divided into two main parts. “The first contains the principles, definitions, rights, and responsibilities. The second focuses on public policy. We expect that in 10, 15, or 20 years, what needs to be done on these issues will be different. However, these principles will be the foundation upon which to continue building,” she emphasized.
Addressing the Complexities of Vulnerable Groups
Deputy Salgado Viramontes noted that discussing people experiencing homelessness and migrants presents significant challenges for the Care System Law due to the complexity of their situations. “We are talking about people who simultaneously face various problems: lack of legal identity; permanent exposure to different forms of violence; physical and mental health issues; risk of addictions and substance abuse; abandonment; and lack of an institution to defend their rights,” emphasized the PAN legislator.
This deliberative session was organized by the aforementioned commissions with the objective of collecting opinions and proposals from civil organizations regarding these population groups, aiming to further strengthen the preliminary draft of the Care System Law.
Impact and Future Steps
The proactive engagement of civil organizations underscores the commitment of the Mexico City Congress to developing a comprehensive and inclusive Care System Law. By incorporating diverse perspectives, especially from those directly affected, the legislative body aims to create a framework that effectively addresses the multifaceted needs of vulnerable populations in the capital.
The ongoing deliberative process highlights the collaborative approach being taken to ensure the new law is robust, equitable, and responsive to the realities faced by Mexico City’s residents. Further discussions and refinements are expected as the preliminary draft moves towards its final form, with the goal of establishing a foundational legal instrument for care in the city.
The Congress’s initiative to create an accessible microsite and translate content into indigenous languages also demonstrates a commitment to broad public participation and ensuring that all voices are heard in the legislative process.
This fourth session marks a significant step in the development of a landmark piece of legislation that seeks to improve the quality of life and protect the rights of some of Mexico City’s most marginalized communities.
Source: https://www.congresocdmx.gob.mx/comsoc-realizan-cuarta-mesa-deliberativa-sobre-sistema-cuidados-cdmx-7343-1.html
