Human Rights are inalienable rights due to everyone. Despite this fact they are a point of contention, discussion and debate worldwide. Argentina is no exception. Argentina’s mixed human rights record has been at the forefront of Human Rights discussions for many years -- from a history of military dictatorships and clandestine detention centers, to being the first Latin American country to legalize same-sex marriage and state-recognized gender reassignment in 2010. While many basic freedoms are protected, there are still ongoing concerns including threats to freedom of expression, lack of freedom of information legislation, violence against women, police abuse, poor prison conditions, barriers to accessing reproductive health products and services, and failure to protect indigenous rights.

Today Argentina continues to grapple with its troubled past and make reparations for the human rights violations committed during Argentina’s military dictatorship (1976-1983). The country has made a significant effort to reopen cases of human rights violations that were previously pardoned in order to  prosecute former officials. Given the large number of victims, suspects, and cases, prosecutors and judges face challenges in bringing those responsible to justice while also respecting due process rights of the accused.

The call for Indigenous rights and Women’s Rights remain at the forefront of Argentina’s social consciousness. Organizations like #NiUnaMenos, utilize public spaces, social media, and protests to call for end violence against women and demand on women’s rights to be addressed. For decades, indigenous peoples in Argentina have been treated like second class citizens, subjected to violence, intimidation and discrimination with their human rights ignored. In recent months, their claims and demands have started to gain traction on the political and social agenda in Argentina as the country begins to address these violations of human rights.

Through a series of talks, site visits and presentations participants in this program will get a personal and up-close view of not only past human rights events but current popular movements. Students will leave this program with a deeper understanding of the lasting effects of military dictatorships, and how, not only a nation, but individuals move forward and the efforts being made by all parties to address these issues.