Amnesty International is pressing Argentina to ensure appropriate living standards and pensions for the elderly following the expiration of a pension moratorium. They highlight potential violations of international law and the disproportionate impact on women. In 2023, a law was passed aimed at addressing informal labor inequalities. Protests erupted after the government declined to extend the moratorium, leading to clashes with police.
Amnesty International called on the Argentinian government to assure adequate living standards and pensions for senior citizens, following the expiration of a pension moratorium last week. This inaction threatens to infringe on elderly individuals’ rights, potentially compelling them to work beyond the age of 65 and seek inadequate alternatives to meet basic needs. The impact of these failures would be felt more acutely by women, who are disproportionately affected.
Argentina is a signatory to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), which includes Article 9 mandating the recognition of the right to social security, and Article 11 that ensures an adequate standard of living for every individual and their family.
In 2023, Argentine Congress enacted Law 27705, which provided pension moratoriums to individuals lacking 30 years of social security contributions. The aim was to facilitate the payment of security debts via two-year plans, enabling access to guaranteed pensions and addressing familial inequalities stemming from the informal labor sector, which constitutes over 47% of the workforce—predominantly affecting women and girls, as reported by Human Rights Watch.
Following the government’s refusal to renew moratoriums, pensioners protested, which escalated into violent confrontations with law enforcement, resulting in injuries among both protesters and police. Notable participation came from young individuals and fans connected to major football clubs such as Boca Juniors and River Plate, who joined in solidarity to advocate for pension rights.
Amnesty International has urged Argentina to fulfill its obligations under international law to secure pensions for the elderly. The expiration of the pension moratorium poses a significant risk to older individuals’ living standards, with special concern for women, given the high proportion of informal workers. The widespread protests highlight the immediate need for the government to reinstate measures that support pension rights and protect vulnerable populations.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
