- You are here:
- Home
- › Travel & living abroad
- › Travel advice by country
- › Country profiles
- › South America and South Atlantic Islands
- › Argentina
South America and South Atlantic Islands
Argentina |
|
|
Last Reviewed: 20 August 2009 |
Country information
POLITICS
Argentina has a system of presidential democracy. There is universal suffrage and voting is compulsory for those aged 16-70. The Argentine constitution provides for a separation of powers between the executive (the President and government), the legislature (Congress and Senate) and the judiciary (the Supreme Court). It also establishes full civilian control over the military. On 12 June 2006, President Kirchner signed into law a decree setting up a joint Chiefs of Staff system. Argentina is moving towards a defence model used by most Western countries.
Since the return to civilian government in 1983, Argentines have elected 5 Presidents: Raul Alfonsin, Carlos Menem, Fernando De La Rua Nestor Kirchner and Cristina Kirchner.
Presidential elections took place on 28 October 2007. Cristina Kirchner (Frente para la Victoria/Partido Justicialista) was elected with a lead of over 20 points over the second-placed candidate Elisa Carrio (Coalición Cívica). Cristina Kirchner succeeded her husband Nestor on 10 December 2007. Argentines also voted for half of the national Chamber of Deputies and one third of the Senate. The results give Cristina Kirchner a majority in both chambers.
Argentina is a federal country made up of 24 provinces. Provincial elections for governor, deputies and senators also took place throughout 2007 in all provinces except Corrientes and Santiago del Estero, which held elections in 2005.
HUMAN RIGHTS
Argentina has signed and ratified all the core international human rights treaties. Argentina is also a member of the UN Human Rights Council.
The Argentine Constitution provides for freedom of speech and of the press; freedom of assembly; equal treatment of all citizens; the right to form 'free and democratic labour unions'. Argentine law prohibits forced or compulsory labour, and forced or bonded labour by children. Education is compulsory, free and universal for children up to the age of 15. Whilst Argentina continues to suffer from its 'Dirty War' legacy (the detentions, torture and disappearances committed during the military dictatorship), after over 20 years of democratic government, the human rights situation has greatly improved. Trials for those charged with human rights abuses during the Dirty War have begun.
President Nestor Kirchner pledged to make the effective protection of human rights a cornerstone of his government’s agenda. Amongst the highlights of this human rights agenda are the annulment of laws and decrees preventing legal action against people who committed human rights violations during the military regime, the introduction of transparent nomination procedures (Supreme Court) and the removal of members of the police forces (including top officers) allegedly involved in human rights violations and corruption practices.
However, some human rights organisations argue that there is not a comprehensive approach in this area in terms of policy on current issues. Concrete measures are still needed in specific areas, especially with regard to abuses committed by the security forces, prison conditions and discrimination against women.
The UK is closely involved in projects supporting the fulfilment of international human rights standards, as well as the modernisation and reform of law enforcement agencies.
