Amnesty International Expresses Concern over Women’s Rights in Argentina

Expressing concern over the death of Miriam Flores, a migrant worker from Paraguay, Amnesty International Argentina (AIA) announced in a press release its continued support of the enforcement of Law 26.485, and demanded that President Christina Fernández “assume as a priority the situation of violence against women” in Argentina.

“We have a law that protects women from being victims of violence, and each day it’s delayed means thousands of lives are at risk. It’s urgent that the law is enforced and that women’s voices are heard,” says interim executive director of AIA Gabriela Boada.

There are no exhaustive statistics on the magnitude and characteristics of violence against women in Argentina, according to the press release. However, the organization cites a study by Casa del Encuentro, which reports 231 homicides of girls and women in 2009, an increase of 11 percent over 2008.

Law 26.485 was approved at the end of 2009 by a wide majority but has yet to be regulated. The law aims to “prevent, sanction, and eradicate violence against women in the places where they cultivate interpersonal relationships.”

AIA would like to see women’s rights occupy a larger place in the political agenda, pointing out that the law must be provided an adequate budget for swift implementation, and calling for “judicial authorities to do everything in their power to investigate and prosecute those responsible for violence against women”.

Furthermore, AIA demands that “state authorities show political leadership in putting an end to violence against women and that the fight for gender equality is reflected in government policy.”

“It’s crucial that we address, at every level, this societal shortcoming in the treatment of women. We hope authorities will take clear and effective action to confront gender violence,” says Boada.