UN urges Argentina to resume policies against gender-based violence

The United Nations’ Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) urged the Argentine state to resume policies against gender-based violence and discrimination that were discontinued under President Javier Milei’s administration. In a report released days before the March 8 commemoration of International Women’s Day, the committee expressed concern regarding the elimination or discontinuation of several policies that were in place before 2024. Argentines are expected to take to the streets on Monday, March 9, as part of a 24-hour women’s strike. The measures will be carried out that day instead of Sunday to heighten the effects of the strike. “No time for delay” The UN committee is formed by 23 experts from around the world who conduct periodic reviews to assess states’ compliance with their obligations.  As part of this process, it issued its concluding observations on Argentina and will monitor the implementation of the recommendations made, making sure they are in line with the country’s international commitments regarding women’s rights. The group also decided not to wait for the next periodic report to check on Argentina’s advances: it asked the Milei government to provide written information within two years on how it implemented priority recommendations, including those related to access to legal and safe abortion, comprehensive sex education, policies for the prevention of gender-based violence, and access to justice. Mariela Belski, Executive Director of Amnesty International Argentina, said, “Argentina has made international commitments regarding women’s rights and must now take urgent measures to ensure their fulfillment. At stake are life itself, autonomy, sexual and reproductive rights, and equality for millions of women and adolescents. There is no time for delay: the state must provide explanations before the next review cycle and demonstrate concrete measures, not promises.” Amnesty International presented its own report warning of setbacks in regulations, institutions, and budgets related to women’s rights. The committee’s recommendations echo these concerns and urge the state to adopt urgent, sustained measures with sufficient resources to reverse the current situation. The committee expressed deep concern about the budget and operational cuts to key mechanisms such as the Acompañar (accompany) Program — which shortened the assistance period for victims of gender violence and now requires a prior complaint — and the 144 hotline to report abuse, which has been affected in terms of funding, staffing, and accessibility, including services for women with disabilities.  It also warned about the reduction of access to Justice Centers and the elimination of the Ministry of Women, Gender, and Diversity, which has led to institutional fragmentation. The committee urged the Argentine State to restore adequate funding, eliminate restrictive requirements, and guarantee accessible and inclusive services. The Comprehensive Sexuality Education Law was also weakened due to budget cuts, insufficient teacher training, and the dismantling of national coordination mechanisms. In addition, the National Plan for the Prevention of Unintended Pregnancy in Adolescence (ENIA) suffered suspensions and severe reductions, despite its positive results.  The committee urged the government to guarantee the continuity and strengthening of these policies and ensure adolescents’ sustained access to sexual and reproductive health services. Digital abuse The CEDAW report also warned of the increase in digital violence against women, including harassment, abuse, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images.  It highlighted the disproportionate impact on women politicians and journalists. The committee recommended strengthening law enforcement, establishing rapid response protocols, training judicial officers, and coordinating with digital platforms for the swift removal of content. Also, while acknowledging the progress made with the Parity Law in Congress, it expressed concern about the underrepresentation of women in high-ranking positions in the Executive branch, the Supreme Court, and the diplomatic service, as well as inequalities in parity at the provincial and municipal levels.  It recommended adopting temporary special measures, setting goals with defined deadlines, and ensuring transparent processes and accountability. Finally, the committee expressed concern about the regressive impact of recent labor reforms adopted without gender impact assessments, warning that the extension of probationary periods, labor flexibility, and the weakening of collective bargaining may disproportionately affect women, especially those who take on caregiving responsibilities.