nArgentina’s Milei Goverment Moves to Eliminate Femicide from Criminal Code
In a controversial move, teh Argentine government under President Javier Milei has announced plans to remove the legal figure of femicide from the country’s Criminal Code. The decision, defended by the presidency and spearheaded by Justice Minister Mariano Cúneo Libarona, has sparked heated debates across the nation.
During a press conference, presidential spokesman Manuel Adorni reiterated the administration’s stance, arguing that there should be no distinction between the murder of a woman and that of a man. “To me, really, if they kill me and also kill you, I would like the treatment to be the same and not that you do not have any additional connotation for that,” Adorni stated.
The government’s position aligns with its broader emphasis on equality before the law. “As this administration defends equality before the law enshrined in our National Constitution.no life is worth more than another,” Adorni added, echoing Cúneo Libarona’s earlier announcement.
This move comes amid criticism from feminist groups and human rights organizations, who argue that eliminating the term femicide undermines efforts to combat gender-based violence. According to data from the Latin American Matria (Mumalá), Argentina recorded 255 femicides in 2024, a slight increase from 254 in 2023. The Violence Observatory Mercedes Pagnutti reported an even higher figure, with 294 deaths attributed to sexist violence last year.
Adorni, though, countered these claims by pointing to the dissolution of the Women’s Ministry as a step forward. “The frist year that we eliminate it, the femicides, called as well as the murder of women, went down,” he asserted. Critics, however, dispute this, noting that the numbers have remained stagnant or even risen.
The government’s decision to eliminate the Women’s Ministry has also drawn backlash. Adorni defended the move, questioning the effectiveness of the ministry during its existence. “We are working for all Argentines to be the same before the law. This goes in line with that, not to get any right to any woman,” he explained.Despite the administration’s claims, feminist organizations continue to highlight the persistent issue of gender-based violence in Argentina. “Life must always defend it and it is what we have to begin to understand. Words do not make women’s defence,” adorni concluded, emphasizing the government’s commitment to equality.
Below is a summary of key points:
| Key Issue | Government Position | Critics’ Response |
|—————————–|—————————————————————————————-|————————————————————————————–|
| Elimination of Femicide | Argues for equality before the law; no life is worth more than another. | Claims it undermines efforts to combat gender-based violence. |
| Dissolution of Women’s Ministry | States femicides decreased after its elimination. | Reports show femicides remained steady or increased.|
| Gender-Based Violence | Emphasizes equal treatment under the law. | Highlights persistent issue of femicides and sexist violence. |
The debate over these changes continues to unfold, with both sides presenting starkly different perspectives on how best to address gender-based violence in Argentina.
Argentina’s Milei Government adn the Controversial Elimination of Femicide from the Criminal Code
Table of Contents
In a bold and controversial move, President Javier Milei’s governance in Argentina has proposed removing the legal figure of femicide from the country’s Criminal Code.This decision,defended by Justice Minister Mariano Cúneo Libarona,has sparked widespread debate. While the government argues it promotes equality before the law, critics claim it undermines efforts to combat gender-based violence. To delve deeper into this issue, we sat down with Dr. Sofia Morales, a renowned expert in gender studies and human rights law, to discuss the implications of this policy change.
Elimination of Femicide: equality Before the law or a Step Backward?
Senior Editor: Dr. Morales, the government argues that eliminating the term “femicide” promotes equality before the law. What’s your take on this perspective?
Dr.Sofia Morales: While the principle of equality before the law is fundamental, the elimination of femicide as a legal category oversimplifies a deeply rooted issue. Femicide is not just about the murder of a woman; it’s a manifestation of systemic gender-based violence. By removing this term,we risk erasing the specificity of these crimes and undermining the progress made in addressing them. Equality doesn’t meen ignoring the unique vulnerabilities women face in society.
Dissolution of the Women’s Ministry: A Solution or a Setback?
Senior Editor: The government claims that femicides decreased after the dissolution of the Women’s Ministry, but critics dispute this.What does the data show, and what are the broader implications of this move?
Dr. Sofia Morales: The data is clear: femicides have either remained steady or increased as the ministry’s dissolution. The Women’s Ministry played a crucial role in coordinating efforts to combat gender-based violence, from policy-making to victim support.Its elimination sends a troubling message about the government’s commitment to addressing this issue. While administrative reforms can be beneficial, thay must be grounded in evidence and a clear strategy to protect vulnerable populations.
Gender-Based Violence: A Persistent Issue in Argentina
senior editor: Gender-based violence remains a significant problem in Argentina. How do you view the government’s emphasis on equal treatment under the law in this context?
dr. Sofia Morales: Equal treatment under the law is essential, but it must be applied in a way that recognizes the structural inequalities women face. Gender-based violence is not just a criminal issue; it’s a societal one that requires targeted interventions. By dismissing the importance of terms like femicide, the government risks losing sight of the broader cultural and systemic changes needed to address this crisis.Equality should mean ensuring that everyone, regardless of gender, has the same access to safety and justice.
Concluding Thoughts
Senior Editor: As we wrap up, what would you say are the key takeaways from this debate?
Dr. Sofia Morales: The elimination of femicide as a legal category and the dissolution of the Women’s Ministry are deeply symbolic actions that reflect a broader ideological stance. While the government’s focus on equality is commendable, it must be balanced with an understanding of the specific challenges women face. We cannot combat gender-based violence by erasing its context. Argentina’s feminist movements have made significant strides in recent years, and it’s crucial that these efforts are not undermined. Policymakers must listen to the voices of those directly affected and ensure that any reforms are evidence-based and inclusive.
