Amnesty International Calls for Pension Assurance for Argentine Elders

Amnesty International urged Argentina to ensure pensions for the elderly after the expiration of a pension moratorium. The organization’s statement highlights potential violations of international rights, particularly affecting women. The legislation aimed at addressing social security contributions has not prevented widespread protests following the government’s refusal to extend moratoriums.

Amnesty International recently called on the Argentine government to ensure that elderly citizens receive adequate pensions and living standards after the expiration of the pension moratorium. The organization highlighted that without government intervention, older individuals may be forced to work past retirement age, impacting their well-being and violating international rights such as the right to social security.

The press release from Amnesty emphasized that this situation places a disproportionate burden on elderly women. Under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), ratified by Argentina, the government is required to uphold the right to social security and an adequate standard of living.

In 2023, Argentina’s National Congress enacted Law 27705, which introduced pension moratoriums for individuals lacking 30 years of social security contributions. This law aimed to address inequalities in the informal labor sector, where over 47% of the workforce operates without adequate protections, disproportionately affecting women and girls.

Following the government’s decision not to extend the pension moratoriums, protests erupted across the country. Many pensioners took to the streets, and the unrest occasionally escalated into violent confrontations with police, resulting in injuries on both sides, with notable participation from the youth and supporters of major football clubs during these demonstrations.

Amnesty International’s appeal to the Argentine government underscores the urgent need to secure pensions for the elderly, particularly highlighting the violations of international rights that may arise from inaction. The recent law pertaining to pension moratoriums aimed to alleviate inequalities, though the current government stance may lead to adverse consequences for older individuals, especially women. Protests indicate significant public concern regarding these issues, emphasizing the importance of governmental accountability.

Original Source: www.jurist.org