Argentina: Human rights march in Buenos Aires on May 10

Event

A number of human rights organizations have organized a joint demonstration against the repudiation of the 2 x 1 law on Wednesday, May 9, at 17:00 (local time) outside Argentina's main congress building in Buenos Aires. The so-called 2x1 law was in effect from 1994-2001, and its repudiation allows human rights abuses to be sentenced as though they were common crimes.

Organizing groups include Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo human rights group, Family of Detainees and Disappeared for Political Reasons, will join left-leaning parties including the Socialist Workers' Movement. The coalition will march under the banner " Senores Jueces: Nunca Mas" ( gentlemen judges: never more).

Traffic disruptions are likely in the vicinity of the congress building, and security is likely to be tight around the city.

An anti-Macri march, scheduled for May 23, has been suspended in light of Wednesday's march, however future protests are likely.

Context

Officials estimate that about 6,000 people were killed or kidnapped in a government-sponsored crackdown on leftist dissidents during Argentina's "dirty war" from 1976 to 1983. Some human rights activists believe the number to be as high as 30,000. During the time Argentina's 2 x 1 law was in place, most 'war criminals' were still free.

Sociopolitical tensions have been on the rise in Argentina since current (conservative) President Mauricio Marci took office in December 2015, with an uptick in anti-government protests and strikes observed in recent months. Various groups are demanding increased salaries amid high inflation and protesting to draw attention to various other socioeconomic issues, including high unemployment, poverty, and economic inequality.

While the majority of demonstrations in Argentina take place without major incident, larger ones can result in major traffic disruptions that can significantly impact daily life. Clashes with security forces and other low-intensity violence occasionally occurs, particularly in the event protesters erect roadblocks, as was the case in the Buenos Aires region during a general strike held on April 6. 

Advice

Individuals in Argentina are advised to avoid any protests due to the threat of violence and to monitor the sociopolitical climate in the coming days and weeks.