This event featured Estela de Carlotto, President of Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo, and Claudia Poblete Hlaczik, a recovered granddaughter, discussing the legacy of Memory, Truth, and Justice in Argentina. The event was co-sponsored by WOLA.

The right to identity is a fundamental pillar of human rights, ensuring that every individual is recognized and respected in their uniqueness. In Argentina, this right gained special significance after the severe human rights violations during the last military dictatorship (1976–1983), when numerous children were appropriated. The work of organizations such as Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo has been crucial in the search for truth, justice, and reparation.
At the international level, this right is enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which protects nationality, name, and family relations. It also covers cultural, social, and political aspects, such as ethnic and gender identities.

In Argentina, initiatives such as the Gender Identity Law have made the country a global leader, fostering debates on the respect and protection of diverse identities. This analysis will explore the advances, challenges, and lessons learned in Argentina in the global context.

About the Event

The Right to Identity in Argentina and the World: Reflections and Perspectives
The event on the right to identity in Argentina and the world seeks to generate a dialogue space on the importance of this right as a central axis in the construction of just and equitable societies. In the Argentine context, the right to identity has been key in addressing the consequences of human rights violations during the last military dictatorship and advancing the recognition of diverse identities, including gender and cultural identities.

Globally, the right to identity remains a challenge and a priority in human rights defense, particularly for vulnerable communities, displaced people, and those in conflict contexts. This event will analyze the progress made, the lessons learned from Argentina's experience, and the opportunities to strengthen the protection and promotion of this right internationally.

The panelists include human rights experts, academics, and activists committed to the search for truth, justice, and reparation, who will share their perspectives and experiences to enrich the debate. The event invites reflection on the importance of the right to identity in building an inclusive future that respects differences.

In Context

In Argentina, the right to identity has acquired profound meaning due to the country’s recent history, especially in the context of the human rights violations during the last military dictatorship (1976–1983). During this period, hundreds of children were kidnapped or born in captivity and were appropriated by families linked to the regime, denying them their original identity. This dark chapter in Argentina's history gave rise to the emblematic struggle of the Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo, an organization dedicated to the search and restoration of the identities of these children, now adults. To date, more than 130 identities have been recovered, representing a historic triumph in the fight for truth, justice, and reparation.
Legal Instruments and Public Policies in Argentina
Argentina has made significant progress in protecting the right to identity through innovative laws and public policies. Some important milestones include:

• National Genetic Data Bank Law (1987): This law created a specialized bank to preserve and analyze genetic samples, with the goal of identifying disappeared or appropriated persons.
• Recognition of the Right to Identity in the National Constitution (1994): Incorporating international treaties, such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which enshrines every child's right to know their identity.
• Gender Identity Law (2012): This law made Argentina a global leader by guaranteeing the right of transgender individuals to be recognized according to their self-identified gender, without the need for medical or judicial procedures.
• Educational and Cultural Policies: Programs have been implemented to raise awareness about the importance of memory, truth, and justice, linking the right to identity with historical learning and social inclusion.

International Impact of the Argentine Case

Argentina's approach to the right to identity has influenced other countries and international organizations. Argentina has brought its experience to forums such as the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, where it has contributed to key jurisprudence on the protection of the right to identity in conflict and massive human rights violation contexts.

Global Challenges to the Right to Identity

At the international level, the right to identity continues to face complex challenges. These include:

• The refugee and migrant crisis, where millions of people lose essential documents and face barriers in establishing their legal identity.
• Ethnic and cultural discrimination, which particularly affects indigenous communities and linguistic minorities.
• New technologies and privacy issues, raising debates about personal data protection and access to genetic information.

Conclusion

Argentina has shown that the right to identity is much more than a legal issue; it is a tool for rebuilding historical memory, repairing injustices, and building inclusive societies. Its experience not only inspires the world but also emphasizes the importance of defending this right as an essential component of human dignity.

The right to identity is fundamental for the recognition and development of each individual. Below are links and sources that address this right both in Argentina and internationally:

In Argentina:

National Commission for the Right to Identity (CONADI): Agency responsible for ensuring the fulfillment of the right to identity, especially in cases of child appropriation during the dictatorship.
Argentina.gob.ar 

Gender Identity Law (Law 26.743): Legislation recognizing the right of individuals to be identified according to their self-identified gender.

National Day for the Right to Identity: Celebrated on October 22 in recognition of the struggle of the Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo.

Internationally:

Convention on the Rights of the Child: Instrument that recognizes the right of children to preserve their identity, including nationality, name, and family relations.

Right to Identity - Humanium: Analysis of the importance of the right to identity in childhood and its international recognition.

The Right to Identity: A Dynamic View - IDH Court: A document exploring the dimensions of the right to identity and its legal protection.
Inter-American Court of Human Rights Library

Due to unforeseen health reasons, Estela de Carlotto was not be able to join us in person at our event.