Amnesty International has urged Argentina to ensure pensions for the elderly after the government declined to extend a pension moratorium. This inaction risks violating international law regarding social security rights and adequate living conditions, especially for women. Protests erupted in response, highlighting public discontent.
On Friday, Amnesty International urged the Argentinian government to guarantee decent living standards and pensions for the elderly. This call follows the government’s refusal to extend a pension moratorium that expired recently, which endangers older individuals’ rights under international law and may force them to work beyond the age of 65, potentially leading to unviable alternatives for sustenance.
Amnesty’s press release emphasized that the lack of action would severely impact older adults, particularly women, who would face greater challenges in securing adequate living conditions. The organization highlighted that the government’s responsibilities under international law necessitate the provision of social security and a standard of living for all citizens, especially seniors.
Argentina, having ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), is mandated by Article 9 to uphold social security rights, and Article 11 reinforces the need for an adequate standard of living. In response to these obligations, the National Congress had previously enacted Law 27705 in 2023, introducing pension moratoriums to assist individuals lacking 30 years of social security contributions.
These moratoriums aimed to help individuals settle debts and gain access to pensions to mitigate inequalities present in Argentina’s labor market, particularly affecting informal workers—over 47% of whom are engaged in non-standard jobs. Human Rights Watch reported that a significant percentage of these informal workers are women, with many lacking basic protections.
In response to the government’s decision not to renew the moratorium, numerous pensioners protested. These demonstrations sometimes escalated into violent confrontations with law enforcement, resulting in injuries among both protesters and police. Additionally, the protests saw participation from youth and supporters of popular football clubs such as Boca Juniors and River Plate, reflecting widespread discontent with the government’s recent actions.
Amnesty International criticizes the Argentinian government’s refusal to extend pension moratoriums, calling attention to the violation of elderly individuals’ rights to adequate living conditions as mandated by international law. The consequences of inaction may force older individuals into precarious situations, with women likely facing heightened challenges. Amidst significant public protests, the call for the government to uphold its social responsibility becomes increasingly urgent.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
