Buenos Aires, March 14 — 13 children were rescued from a supposed “children's home” in Florencio Varela, where they lived in extreme inhumane conditions. They were beaten, subjected to heavy labor — from masonry to picking up feces — without medical attention and forced to work even when sick. According to the official report, the discovery was made as part of a judicial investigation by the Prosecutor's Office No. 8 of Berazategui. In the place where the children were supposed to be protected, all their rights were violated: they were forced to collect the feces and waste of 31 dogs and two horses, feed the animals, and take care of the cleaning of the houses and furniture, often without adequate adult supervision and in conditions considered dangerous for minors. Among the tasks, the children prepared cement, lifted woods, stones, and other heavy elements, performed masonry tasks, cut canes with machetes to build fences, and cut the grass on the property. These tasks extended all day, until midnight, in the rain and in the open air. The investigation also determined that if the children resisted carrying out these activities, they could be deprived of food or expelled outside during cold spells or at night. Episodes of violence, such as blows with blunt objects, were also recorded. In addition, overcrowding, dirt, poor nutrition, and lack of hygiene were detected. They did not regularly attend school, which implied a direct affectation of their rights to education and health. Two officials from childhood organizations in the west area would have helped to hide or alter evidence before a raid, for which they are being investigated. During the procedures, cell phones of different brands, a 160 GB hard drive, and documentation considered relevant for the progress of the investigation were seized.
