IACHR and SRFOE urge Argentina to uphold the right to social protest

September 23, 2024

Washington, D.C. —The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and the Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression (SRFOE) have expressed concern over reports of state repression during the September 11 protests by pensioners in Argentina. The IACHR and the SRFOE call on the Argentinian government to respect and protect the rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, as well as the safety of demonstrators.

The protests took place in response to the ratification of the veto on the Pension Adjustment Act, which regulates changes to pensions and social security benefits in response to inflation and other economic variables. According to the media and reports from civil society, security forces used tear gas against protesters, which also affected bystanders, including children and older people. Rubber bullets were reportedly used to disperse demonstrators, resulting in injuries documented by Argentina's National Committee for the Prevention of Torture.

The State of Argentina provided background information on the protests and added: "The design of the security operation included preventive measures such as checkpoints at entrances and train stations, and a ban on private vehicle parking around the National Congress. Cleanup brigades removed debris, loose blunt objects, and rental calls and garbage containers to avoid acts of vandalism. The operation, which was led by the Federal Security Forces, proceeded normally and without incident until the results of the deputies' vote were announced, at which point a large group of people breached the barriers at the entrance to Congress. The Federal Security Forces deployed standard strategies to manage public disturbances, including a water cannon, fire truck, motorcycles, and nonlethal deterrent equipment. To disperse and deter violent demonstrators, they also employed gases that comply with international standards for such purposes."

The IACHR and SFROE underscore that peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democratic societies and that Argentina has an obligation to respect, safeguard, facilitate, and guarantee the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Security agencies should only use force as a last resort in exceptional circumstances, in line with the principles of legality, necessity, and proportionality, as outlined in inter-American standards and protocols. Firearms should never be used in operations to control social protests.

The Argentinian State must uphold the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, ensuring that both civilian and police security forces operate in full compliance with human rights standards and safeguarding demonstrators' safety while maintaining public order. The IACHR and the SRFOE stress the State's obligation to fully investigate any allegations of violations of the rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly and reports of excessive use of force, and to sanction those responsible.

The Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression (SFROE) was created by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) to promote and protect freedom of thought and expression across the Americas, acknowledging its crucial role in fostering and strengthening democratic systems.

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) is an autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS) whose mandate is based on the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. Its mission is to promote and defend human rights throughout the Americas and to serve as an advisory body to the OAS in this area. The IACHR consists of seven independent members elected by the OAS General Assembly. They serve in a personal capacity and do not represent their countries of origin or residence.

No. 220/24

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