Full Breakdown
Argentina Faces Criticism Over Rights Rollback and Labor Reforms
2/13/2026, 2:40:08 AM
UN Criticism of Argentina's Rights Policies
The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) has expressed serious concerns regarding Argentina's regression in women's and LGBTIQ+ rights. During a review in Geneva, the committee highlighted significant budget cuts and the dismantling of key institutions, which they argue have weakened protections for these groups. The UN's criticism coincides with President Javier Milei's administration, which has distanced itself from various international initiatives and criticized UN agencies for perceived ideological bias.
Argentina's delegation rejected claims of regression, framing the closure of the Women, Gender & Diversity Ministry as an administrative reorganization. However, CEDAW pointed to an alarming 89 percent cut in funding for programs combating gender-based violence, with the Acompañar initiative's support for victims plummeting from over 102,000 individuals in 2023 to just over 3,500 in 2025. The committee also noted that lethal violence against women remains critically high, with 247 femicides recorded in 2025. Furthermore, the government has stepped back from responsibilities in sexual and reproductive health, leading to shortages of essential medications and a dismantling of programs aimed at reducing teenage pregnancy.
Labor Reforms Spark Protests
In a separate but related issue, protests erupted in Buenos Aires against President Milei's proposed labor reforms, which unions argue will make jobs more precarious. Demonstrators clashed with police outside Congress, resulting in injuries and arrests as tensions escalated. The proposed reforms aim to deregulate the labor market, making it easier for employers to hire and fire workers, reduce severance pay, and limit the right to strike.
Milei, who has been in office since December 2023, argues that existing labor laws deter formal hiring, with nearly 40 percent of workers lacking formal contracts. However, unions, including the General Confederation of Labour (CGT), have labeled the reforms as regressive, claiming they erode workers' rights. The government has negotiated amendments to the bill to facilitate its passage through Congress, with a vote expected soon.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of both the rights rollback and labor reforms have voiced strong opposition. CEDAW has urged the Argentine government to restore funding and institutional capacity to protect women's and LGBTIQ+ rights, warning of a growing gap between legislation and the effective enjoyment of rights. Protesters against the labor reforms have expressed that the changes primarily benefit employers at the expense of workers, with demonstrators stating, "Labour reform doesn't mean creating jobs, but rather making jobs more precarious."
Official Statements & Responses
In response to the UN's findings, representatives from Argentina's government maintained that equality before the law remains intact and that the changes are administrative rather than regressive. Meanwhile, Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva has vowed to identify and punish those responsible for the violence during the protests, emphasizing the government's commitment to maintaining order.
What's Next
As the Milei administration pushes forward with its labor reforms, the Senate is expected to vote on the bill soon, followed by consideration in the lower Chamber of Deputies. Concurrently, the government faces mounting pressure to address the UN's concerns regarding rights protections, as well as the ongoing protests from unions and civil society groups advocating for workers' rights and gender equality.
