We denounced before the UN the shrinking of civic space, as well as the human rights impacts of the debt contracted with the IMF and the current negotiations to take out a new loan. In both instances, we requested that the UN closely monitor the situation in Argentina and demand that the state protect and guarantee human rights.
In the dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, we spoke about the persecution of social organisations and the criminalisation of protesters. We also denounced the use of an anti-terrorist narrative as a tool to restrict social protest and the arbitrary arrests of human rights and environmental defenders.
We also participated in the dialogue with the Independent Expert on the Effects of Foreign Debt representing CELS and the Espacio de Trabajo Fiscal para la Equidad (Fiscal Working Space for Equity). We expressed our concerns about the possible signing of a new agreement with the IMF, which would condition the lives of the vast majority of the Argentine population for several generations. We explained that the government seeks to bypass Congress and approve the agreement through a Decree: this is unconstitutional, undemocratic and incompatible with the international obligations of the State.
At a side event to the Council session, we presented a report on the need to adopt an intersectional approach to UN standards on social protest and other rights related to civic space. Together with CIVICUS, ILEX Acción Jurídica and the Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Assembly and Association, we reflected on the challenges to adopt an intersectional approach to the management of social protests and the importance of generating common guidelines for States to ensure the protection of all persons participating in public demonstrations.
We also participated as panellists in a side event organised by the Permanent Missions of Finland and Switzerland to the United Nations to discuss the obstacles faced by frontline human rights defenders in accessing the UN system. We pointed out some opportunities for improvement that member states of the Human Rights Council can implement to strengthen civil society participation.
Finally, we held bilateral meetings with a number of UN special procedures on counter-terrorism, adequate housing, business and human rights, food and disability.