End HIV Harassment in Cancún Workplaces

Cancún, Mexico — Following a request by sexual diversity collectives in Benito Juárez for the elimination of prenuptial exams for the general population, these same organizations are now promoting an initiative to prevent companies from violating human rights. The initiative aims to stop companies from requesting medical test results from their employees, as there have been cases where individuals test positive for HIV and are subsequently harassed until they resign.

Nohamy Hermida Nieves, Director of Attention to Sexual Diversity in Benito Juárez, stated that sexual and reproductive responsibility belongs solely to the individual, not to companies. This is one of the reasons health collectives have been fighting for many years and why they have approached the Quintana Roo Human Rights Commission and the municipal Directorate of Human Rights.

“These rights must be safeguarded within the legal framework that your health is your own, just as companies that pay for HIV tests and have the results sent to them, only to later engage in harassment, and the result did not go to you,” she explained.

She stated that work is being done on these situations, but since a step has already been taken regarding these procedures that violate people's human rights concerning their health, the other issue is being addressed in tandem. Therefore, working groups will be established to help those who are sometimes sent for tests and do not receive their results.

“Having tests done and not being told what they are for violates their rights, which is why we have to sign a confidentiality notice in which I agree to have the tests done and that those results should only be seen by me, because it is your result and your health condition,” she indicated.

She explained that companies are engaging in these types of practices where they conduct these studies and the results are sent to the employers. Then, upon discovering a condition, harassment begins.

The head of the Directorate of Attention to Sexual Diversity said that support will be provided to people going through this, regardless of their condition and orientation.