Argentina

The International Secretariat of Amnesty International publishes its own website, with country specific news and campaigns. Do check out the Argentina page.

Significant Events from Newsletters 2025

April 2025

An Urgent Action has been published calling on Congress to guarantee an adequate standard of living for older people. The moratorium on social security contributions expired on 23 March. The government announced that it will not seek to extend this deadline given the fiscal adjustment plan that has severely impacted the pensions of older people. If Congress does not act, it will directly harm older people’s rights, especially those of women and informal workers. This is the third update – the only significant difference to the second version, sent to local groups last month, is it is now directed at individual members by email.

Retirees gather weekly in front of Congress to demand an increase in pensions and the restoration of certain free medications. On 12^th March the retirees protest, supported by football fans, was broken up by police, leaving 672 injured and 114 arrests. Human Rights Watch have called for an investigation into security forces’ use of force and review an “anti-protest” protocol that opens the door to abuse.  The Inter-American Commission of Human Rights called on the government to guarantee freedom of expression and association and to put human rights at the centre of its security protocols governing the use of force.

March 2025

President Javier Milei temporarily appointed two Supreme Court judges by decree, bypassing Congress during its summer recess in a move seen as an overreach of executive power. Human Rights Watch criticized Milei’s move as “one of the most serious attacks against the independence of the Supreme Court in Argentina since the return of democracy.” Since President Milei had nominated Judges Lijo and García-Mansilla in April 2024, numerous rights groups and others  expressed concern over Lijo’s record as a federal judge and García-Mansilla’s views on sexual and reproductive health rights.

February 2025

Human Rights Watch latest report highlights that President Javier Milei’s first year of office has led to “institutional deterioration”, including cuts to social program funding, obstacles to the freedom of peaceful assembly, and hostile rhetoric against journalists, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. A new protocol criminalises any disturbance to traffic arising from a demonstration. It also gives police broad powers to disperse demonstrations and allows the government to force protest organisers to pay for police  operations in response to protests and public property damage caused by demonstrations.

Justice Minister Mariano Cúneo Libarona said the government will “eliminate femicide from the Argentine penal code” adding that feminism was a “distortion of the concept of equality”. Mariela Belski, Amnesty International Argentina, responded “It is extremely worrying that the specificity of this type of crime and the obligations of the Argentine state to prevent, punish and eradicate violence against women, which have constitutional roots, are not understood.”  Feminist organization Mujeres de la Matria Latinoamericana has data showing Argentina recorded 255 femicides in the past year.

January 2025

Marking the first anniversary of President Milei’s administration, Amnesty International published a report on the human rights situation in Argentina during 2024. Rights in Argentina: 12 months of management, 12 rights lost explores how the economic policies and reforms have negatively impacted the lives of millions of people, especially the most vulnerable, exacerbating inequalities and restricting fundamental freedoms. In particular restrictions on the right to protest with the “anti-picket protocol” leading to repression and criminalisation of those who took to the streets to express dissent.

Amnesty’s 2023 report on Argentina

Amnesty International’s 2023 report on Argentina highlighted that gender-based killings continued unabated and impunity persisted:- 308 gender-based killings were recorded in 2023, 62% of them in domestic settings.  Access to abortion remained inconsistent in many parts of the country, despite its decriminalization. The abusive use of force with a racist bias was widespread within the security forces. Restriction and criminalization of protest prevailed. Measures on climate change fell short of targets required to curb global emissions.

Significant Events from Newsletters 2024

December 2024

Buenos Aires dedicated a week to celebrating diversity, ending  with thousands attending a Pride March on November 2^nd. Under the slogan “There is no freedom without rights,” marchers paraded from the Plaza de Mayo square demanding  a “comprehensive trans law and anti-discrimination law.” Since then, Amnesty International recognized 12 journalists, activists, artists, and for their contribution to the promotion and defence of the rights of LGBTIQ+ people. They commended their “voices that rise to counteract narratives of hate and that in turn inspire other people to defend their rights”.

November 2024

Amnesty International has included Joel Paredes in this year’s Write For Rights campaign. Last year he joined a peaceful protest in Humahuaca, Jujuy. The demonstration was against constitutional reforms that threaten both freedom of assembly and the rights of Indigenous peoples. The police responded with unnecessary and excessive force, injuring many of the protesters. Joel was blinded by a rubber bullet. Take Action via this online petition. David has put more background details, a video featuring Joel, W4R campaigning and solidarity materials and guidance on his local group website.

There is some very good news. Following a conciliation hearing between activist Pierina Nochetti and the Municipality of Necochea, the criminal action against her has been ended. In addition, the administrative file against her has been closed and her employment status re-established. Pierina Nochetti, a lesbian activist and human rights defender, faced a criminal case for “aggravated damage” for her alleged participation in paining a mural that asks ‘Where is Tehuel?’. She faced up to 4 years in prison. Thanks to everyone who took action.

Amnesty International has published a report entitled “Muted: The impact of digital violence against women journalists”. The study reveals that 63.5% of female and gender-diverse journalists in Argentina have been victims of some type of digital violence in the last six years. Of these, 98.3% were subjected to isolated insults, while 85.6% were victims of harassment or trolling. 80% reported that their professional practice was somehow affected by acts of aggression on social media.

Amnesty International has sent an open letter to President Milei highlighting its serious concerns about the human rights situation in Argentina under his government. It expresses alarm that in 10 months of government, poverty has increased and public freedoms are under threat. The letter details the attack on freedom of expression and war against the rights of women.  Whilst abortion is legal, despite attempts in Parliament to repeal it, the Government policies threaten the ability to purchase and distribute supplies that are essential for guaranteeing safe abortions in the country.

Diplomats from over 30 embassies in Argentina have signed a rare joint statement warning of “growing hostility, disinformation and phobia” against LGBTQIA+ people ahead of November’s Buenos Aires Pride. President Milei and senior officials in his government have made offensive comments about the LGBTQAI+ communityand  closed the Ministry of Women, Genders and Diversity and state anti-discrimination watchdog INADI, among others. Argentina was the only member country that refused to sign a G20 gender equality and women’s empowerment statement.

October 2024

The trial of Pierina Nochetti is set for 30th of October; she is accused of painting graffiti and faces up to 4 years in prison. The Urgent Action calls for the charges to be dropped. There were widespread protests in Necochea over the disappearance of a young trans man, Tehuel de la Torre. Pierina had been prominent in this and other LGBTI campaigns, leading to penalisation by her local government employer, who then instigated the charges against her. Luis Alberto Ramos was recently sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Tehuel; another suspect awaits trial.  See Pierina’s video of thanks.

August 2024

There were many peaceful demonstrations against the “Ley de Bases”. In June, 33 people were arbitrarily detained and charged with several offences, including attacks on constitutional order and democratic life. Some of those charged were detained travelling to or away from the demonstrations. There is evidence that the police operation included the unlawful use of “less lethal” weapons, such as chemical irritants and rubber bullets. Amnesty International has an Urgent Action urging the prosecutor to immediately drop the charges against them.

In the city of Necochea, Pierina Nochetti is accused of painting graffiti with the question “Where is Tehuel?” Over the past few weeks one of the two men accused of murdering Tehuel de la Torre has been on trial. Tehuel’s body has never been found; Luis Alberto Ramos – the last person to see him – is accused of “qualified homicide due to hatred of gender identity” There has been ongoing campaigning by the LGTBI community since Teheul disappeared in March 2021. The charges against Pierina arose after Necochea Pride in 2022. The Urgent Action calls for these charges to be dropped.

Amnesty International has reiterated its objection to the proposal that two male candidates join the Supreme Court (already all men). Amnesty International presented a series of questions and observations to the Upper House regarding the candidates to fill the vacancies in the highest court.  A previous letter argued that the nomination of the two male candidates constitutes discriminatory action and represents a strong setback in terms of gender parity, human rights, quality and legitimacy of the judicial system.

July 2024

During 2024 large-scale demonstrations have erupted protesting against fiscal cuts and the undermining of human rights. Also some very concerning regulations have been implemented criminalizing protesters and permitting the unlawful use of force against them.  A violent police operation during protests on 12 June resulted in 33 people being arbitrarily detained and charged with several offences, including attacks on constitutional order and democratic life. Amnesty International has issued an Urgent Action urging the prosecutor to immediately drop the charges against them.

President Javier Milei vetoed a bill that had been passed by Congress to improve pensions for older people. This was to adjust for the large loss of purchasing power they have suffered in recent months. There is an Urgent Action urging Congress to insist on approving the law as a measure towards the guarantee of a dignified standard of living for older people. Its a letter to the Chamber of Deputies; we have a separate link so you can email members of Congress individually.

June 2024

Pierina Nochetti (see photo below), a lesbian human rights activist, is facing criminal charges of “aggravated damage” for allegedly painting graffiti in protest questioning the disappearance of a young trans man in the city of Necochea, Argentina. She is facing a sentence of up to 4 years in prison. An Urgent Action, calling on authorities to drop the charge of “aggravated damage” against Pierina Nochetti, has been extended. It appears to be an unnecessary and disproportionate restriction on the right to freedom of expression.

A bill introducing changes to the Argentine pension system – the elimination of the “pension moratorium”, a mechanism that guarantees a pension – is now in the Senate. If approved it would impact on older people’s rights, especially of women and informal workers.  In effect, 90% of women and 70% percent of men of pensionable age will not be able to retire. Amnesty International calls for human rights scrutiny, to reject this removal of equal access to pensions impacting on the lives of older people. This Urgent Action asks us to email 12 Senators urging them not to remove the pension moratorium.

May 2024

Hundreds of thousands of students, graduates, teachers and workers flooded the streets of Argentina in a historic display of unity against proposed budget cuts to public education. The demonstrations, which took place in over twenty cities across the country, marked one of the largest protests in the last 20 years. They voiced their opposition to the 70% budget reduction proposed by President Javier Milei, which threatens the stability and accessibility of higher education in the country, which is currently free.

April 2024

Amnesty International held a press conference to mark 100 days of the government of President Javier Milei. “Despite the short time that has passed, we note with concern the profound impact that some measures that have been taken have had on the lives and rights of people…To the economic impoverishment of a large part of society, this administration adds a new leadership model of non-dialogue and permanent violence.” said Mariela Belski, executive director of Amnesty International Argentina.

However, last month Amnesty International did hold a meeting with officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This was ahead of the 55^thsession of the UN Human Rights Council, which Argentina is a member country. Priorities were discussed and Amnesty also raised concerns about the measures being used to address social protest and the use of lethal weapons deployed in recent months. Also concerns about gender policies and the relevance of Argentina continuing to play a key role in the sexual and reproductive rights agenda in its domestic and foreign policy.

The recent Urgent Action goes on till 12^th April and is email only. Nahuel Morandini, Roque Villegas and Lucía González are being prosecuted for expressing ironic opinions about a public figure on social media. Morandini and Villegas posted on X and Facebook; they were immediately arrested and initially held in prison for 54 days. The charges against Gonzalez are based on a comment she made in a private WhatsApp group. This investigation and the charges brought against the three individuals are extremely alarming.  We are calling for the charges against all three of them to be dropped.

February 2024

We have a new Urgent Action: Pierina Nochetti, a lesbian human rights activist, is facing criminal charges of “aggravated damage”. Pierina is one of many campaigning over the disappearance of a young trans man, Tehuel de la Torre, last seen on 11 March 2021. She is alleged to have painted graffiti on a wall with the question “Where is Tehuel?”. Her trial is scheduled for 6 March and she is facing a sentence of up to 4 years in prison. The charges appear to be an unnecessary and a disproportionate restriction to the right to freedom of expression, and the Urgent Action calls for them to be dropped.

Female journalists who write about gender issues say they are having to deal with a toxic wave of threats against them in Argentina. The country legalised abortion in 2020, but its newly elected far-right libertarian president, Javier Milei, campaigned to overturn the law. And the libertarian movement that helped propel Milei to power appeared to deliberately target feminists when it started building its follower base in 2018. “We are facing a witch-hunt from the ultra-right,” said feminist writer Luciana Peke who has gone into exile.

January 2024

Amnesty International has published an open letter to the new government, urging that people must be at the centre of all public policy. It highlights eight interconnected points that it considers essential issues in terms of rights and that must be part of a future government program. One point is “Ensure Women’s Right to a Life Free of Violence” which highlights the bleak fact – In 2022, a femicide occurred every 35 hours, with 76% of the 252 deaths happening in domestic violence contexts. At least 17% of the victims had made formal complaints.

Security Minister Patricia Bullrich has announced an anti-picketing protocol to prevent roads from being blocked – people should only demonstrate on pavements and never interfere with the right of others to move freely. Amnesty International express concern that the protocol violates the right to free assembly and association and freedom of expression. Also the powers for the intervention of police and security agents do not respect international standards on the use of force, inevitably generating violence and social conflict, endangering the life and physical integrity of people.

Significant Events from Newsletters 2023

December 2023

Activists join the Madres de Plaza de Mayo Association in their weekly protest President-elect Javier Milei takes office on December 10^th. Since his victory, hundreds of activists gathered in Buenos Aires to denounce Milei and vice-president-elect Victoria Villarruel’s views on the dictatorship-era disappearances of tens of thousands of people.  The head of the Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo human rights group, Estela de Carlotto, is to request a meeting with the new President. Milei has routinely vowed to hold a plebiscite on whether to repeal the country’s 2020 landmark legalisation of abortion, and promising to shut the country’s ministry of women, gender and diversity.

The Urgent Action on behalf of Alberto Nallar has been extended till January 11^th  He was sentenced to 42 months of imprisonment for the crime of “incitement to commit crimes, incitement to collective violence and uprising or mutiny ”.  A human rights lawyer, Alberto Nallar took an active role during the protests in Jujuy Province that began on June 15. He provided support and legal assistance to people detained during the demonstrations. Alberto has also been heavily fined and been disqualified from practicing.

November 2023

On 24th October human rights lawyer Alberto Nallar was sentenced to 3 years and 6 months in prison for crimes of “Instigation to commit crimes and sedition.” Alberto Nallar had been arrested on 13th July following the peaceful protests in Jujuy Province; there has been an Amnesty International Urgent Action calling for charges against him to be dropped since then. As well as being active in the protests, Alberto had provided support and legal assistance to people detained during the mobilizations and their families.

Meanwhile Amnesty International released its preliminary findings following a research mission to Jujuy in September. Ana Piquer, Americas director at Amnesty International, announced:-

“We have found that the Jujuy provincial police responded with indiscriminate use of force against those protesting for their rights. Our investigation indicates that the provincial authorities have created a hostile environment that inhibits the people of Jujuy from exercising their right to peaceful protest.”

October 2023

On the Global Day of Action for Access to Safe and Legal Abortion, September 28, human rights organisations and other activists marched in Buenos Aires and across Latin America. In Argentina they were highlighting their concerns that a change in government in this month’s elections will lead to losing the gains made. Current poll leader Javier Milei has made clear his opposition to abortion.   After a long struggle and massive rallies, Argentina became in 2020 one of the 50 countries that decriminalized abortion in the last three decades. But despite the change in law, access to abortion remains problematic and oppositionremains deep seated in parts of the country.

Argentina’s former Navy School of Mechanics (ESMA)– a military school turned secret detention centre, and now a Museum and Site of Memory – has been named a United Nations World Heritage Site. President Alberto Fernández thanked the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO):- “The Navy School of Mechanics conveyed the absolute worst aspects of state-sponsored terrorism, memory must be kept alive”. Almost 5,000 people were abducted and held in the ESMA in its active participation in the Dirty War between 1976-1983; all except 150 were killed during or after interrogation and torture. As we mentioned in the April Newsletter, the last remaining aircraft used to facilitate “death flights” is now on display at this Museum and Site of of Memory.

August 2023

We now have two Urgent Actions for Argentina. As brought to your attention 3 weeks ago, Cecilia Strzyzowski (28 years old) has been missing since June 1. Her disappearance is being investigated as a femicide; human skeletal remains have now been found. Cecilia Strzyzowski’s husband, César Sena, and his parents have been detained and charged with her murder. This Urgent Action is now an email action on the AIUK site.

Last month we highlighted the peaceful protests in Jujuy Province. Amnesty International called for an end to the violent police repression used against the protestors. But since protests began at least 130 people have been detained, including human rights defenders.

Alberto Naller is a human rights lawyer who played a very active role in the protests. He provided support and legal assistance to people detained during the mobilizations and their families. Alberto Naller was arrested on July 13^th and charged with sedition; a criminal provision frequently used in Argentina to criminalize people who exercise the right to social protest. He is currently under house arrest. Amnesty has issued an Urgent Action requesting charges against Alberto Nallar be dropped.

July 2023

Amnesty International has called on the government of Jujuy Province in Northern Argentina to immediately cease the excessive use of force against those exercising their right to peaceful protest. This has resulted in hundreds of people being injured in the past two weeks. The protests have been against constitutional reform and for teachers’ salary demands Provincial police have responded by indiscriminately using rubber bullets, tear gas and physical violence against the population, especially against Indigenous people and campesinos (rural farm workers).

The constitutional reform that sparked the row expressly prohibits “street and road blockades, as well as any other disturbance of the right to free movement of persons and the improper occupation of public buildings in the province,” definitions that critics say puts limits on the right to protest.

June 2023

Amnesty Argentina has just published a report “Police violence: what happens next? Investigation, Supervision and Accountability of Policing”. Currently only in Spanish, the summary on the Amnesty Argentina website is highly critical.  Deficiencies in judicial investigations, cover-ups, and investigating only “official reports” are just some of the widespread practices that are reported. This perpetuates police violence and leads to impunity.

Mariela Belski, executive director of Amnesty International Argentina, said:-   “Argentina has shown a profound inability to effectively investigate the illegal actions of the security forces. The accountability processes for police action do not show a serious commitment to justice and reparation for the victims. The involvement of all levels of the State and all provinces is essential to advance practices that respect human rights.”

The report lays out recommendations for a way forward. But in an election year, Amnesty International reiterates its concern at the absence of comprehensive plans and measures from candidates to combat institutional violence.

May 2023

Tens of thousands of Mapuches, members of an indigenous people established on both sides of the Andes in the Chilean and Argentine territory, are claiming the return of their ancestral lands and assets. The Mapuche are the most populous indigenous people in Argentina. However, the group is facing significant backlash from provincial governments.

The Chamber of Deputies in Mendoza (in the province of Mendoza) voted a resolution which maintains that “the Mapuches should not be considered original Argentine peoples.” This resolution comes just days after the Supreme Court suspended the distribution of land in Bariloche (in the province of Río Negro), to a Mapuche community.

This comes a few weeks after a critical report by a United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights, an independent monitoring program of the Human Rights Council. This denounced the “structural discrimination” affecting the Indigenous population in Argentina. In particular the UN delegation highlighted the unequal effects of Argentina’s high poverty rate:-

“Poverty is concentrated in certain regions, with indigenous peoples being especially affected by social inequality, economic marginalisation and structural racism”