Workers of the National Human Rights Secretariat have expressed their concern about the current situation in the agency. They have denounced a policy of mass layoffs, workplace repression, and the presence of security forces in emblematic sites of historical memory, such as ESMA.
In the words of ATE delegates, the situation is described as a systematic attack on the union organization and the State in general since the change of administration. It is noted that more than 500 workers have been dismissed during the current administration, which has led to the dismantling of entire areas and a constant climate of persecution.
Workers from the Truth and Justice Program, responsible for assisting victims of State Terrorism and collaborating in judicial investigations, have warned about the risk that the continuity of crimes against humanity cases may be compromised due to recent layoffs. The fundamental role they play in research and in identifying those responsible for crimes against humanity is emphasized.
Last week, more than 70 workers were prevented from entering their posts at ESMA due to the police presence at the site. The situation has been viewed as an attempt to intimidate by the current administration of Javier Milei and the Secretary of Human Rights, Alberto Baños. Actions such as the presence of security forces at assemblies, filming of workers, and the removal of posters in offices have been mentioned as intimidation practices.
In this context, workers have expressed their strong rejection of the harassment policy within the Human Rights Secretariat and have warned of possible negative consequences on the continuity of memory, truth, and justice policies. The struggle for the defense of human rights and the work for historical justice continues to be a challenge for the sector amid these labor and political challenges.
