Amnesty International calls on Argentina to uphold pension rights for the elderly following the expiration of a pension moratorium. The organization highlights the potential economic hardships and rights violations older people may face, particularly women. The call to action is rooted in international law requirements and highlights existing inequalities in the labor market.
Amnesty International has called upon the Argentinian government to secure adequate living standards and pensions for the elderly, particularly following the expiration of the pension moratorium that took place last week. The organization cautions that neglecting this responsibility will infringe upon the rights of senior citizens under international law and could compel them to continue working past the age of 65, resulting in financial instability and inadequate resources for their basic needs.
The organization’s press release emphasizes that the absence of secure living conditions will disproportionately affect women, who are already disadvantaged in societal structures. According to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), which Argentina has ratified, the state must ensure social security as well as an adequate standard of living for all individuals and their families.
In 2023, Argentina’s National Congress enacted Law 27705, which established pension moratoriums for individuals lacking the prerequisite 30 years of social security contributions. This legislation introduced payment plans designed to alleviate existing debts, thus providing access to guaranteed pensions upon retirement. Its purpose was to address significant inequalities in the informal labor market, where over 47% of employment is unregulated.
Human Rights Watch reported that over 30% of Argentina’s workforce and a majority of domestic laborers operate in this informal sector without protections, predominantly affecting women and girls. In response to the government’s decision not to extend the pension moratoriums, protests erupted with pensioners taking to the streets. These demonstrations often escalated into confrontations with law enforcement, resulting in injuries to both protesters and police personnel, with involvement from youth and supporters of leading football clubs such as Boca Juniors and River Plate.
In summary, Amnesty International urges the Argentinian government to uphold its obligations under international law by ensuring adequate pensions and living standards for the elderly. The expiration of the pension moratorium signifies a critical juncture, particularly for vulnerable populations such as women. Failure to act could exacerbate existing economic disparities and infringe upon the rights of senior citizens, prompting civil unrest amid widespread protests against the government’s inaction.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
