The Government hastens the removal of the Human Rights Undersecretariat from the former ESMA amid the anniversary of the last military coup
The Argentine government is planning to relocate the Human Rights Undersecretariat from the former ESMA site, coinciding with the upcoming 50th anniversary of the last military coup, potentially reigniting discussions about the country's past.
As Argentina approaches the 50th anniversary of the last military coup, the government is pushing to relocate the Human Rights Undersecretariat from the former School of Naval Mechanics (ESMA) to another building in Constitución. This move is part of a broader narrative surrounding the historical context of the '70s and the ongoing 'cultural battle' within Argentine society. Officials are concerned that this shift could provoke renewed discussions about human rights issues, particularly during the memorial events planned for 2024 and 2025.
The building designated for this relocation, located at Cochabamba 54, was originally earmarked to become the headquarters of Argentina's first Ministry of Women, Diversity, and Genders under the previous administration of Alberto Fernández. This initiative was publicly celebrated in 2020, but by 2022, it had faced disruptions in its construction and operations due to safety concerns. The government has since decided to halt the ongoing works at the site, citing risks for workers involved, complicating the overall situation regarding the ministry's intended functions.
The decision to transfer the Human Rights Undersecretariat's offices from such a historically significant site raises questions about how Argentina continues to engage with its tumultuous past. As the government seeks to navigate these sensitive issues, this relocation may affect public discourse on human rights and how these themes are remembered and taught in contemporary Argentine society. The implications of this move could resonate deeply, likely impacting both political conversations and historical narratives going forward.