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We participated in the 2nd Forum on Environmental Defenders of Latin America and the Caribbean

During September 26, 27, 28 and 29 we were participating in different activities linked to the Second Annual Forum on Human Rights Defenders in Environmental Issues in Latin America and the Caribbean. This Forum is organized by ECLAC in its role as Secretariat of the Escazú Agreement.

“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”.

Latin America and the Caribbean continues to be the most dangerous area in the world to carry out environmental defense. Last year, 177 environmental defenders were murdered and 88% of the homicides occurred in Latin America. That is why States must make more and better efforts to guarantee security and provide a safe environment for the development of this task.

Let us remember that the Agreement on Access to Information, Public Participation and Access to Justice – known as the Escazú Agreement – is the first regional environmental treaty in the world to contain specific provisions for the protection of defenders. Specifically, Article 9 provides that States must guarantee a safe and enabling environment in which individuals, groups and organizations that promote and defend human rights in environmental matters can act without threats, restrictions and insecurity.

In this context, together with indigenous communities and defenders from across the region, we met in Panama to provide input on the proposed draft of the Regional Action Plan on Defenders that will be presented next year at the next meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 3). This is a true opportunity to impact environmental issues that affect our region.

The Escazú Agreement is the first treaty in the world that has open and horizontal dialogue spaces. These participatory processes are a true tool for the collective construction of public policies.

The main demand from the communities is the urgent ratification of the Agreement by all the states in the region. On the other hand, the violence that groups and people who protect the environment continually experience were exposed, even more so in the context of climate change. In this sense, it is essential to pay special attention to situations of human rights violations in the context of extractive processes linked to the energy transition.

On the other hand, the main request was for the transversal incorporation of a gender and intercultural perspective into the Plan, giving specific recognition to indigenous communities, who have historically been guardians of our common goods.

We hope that more states in the region will ratify the Agreement in the short term and that the claims that were reiterated by the communities will be considered and included in the Plan.

 

More Information

Resource on Escazú Agreement | Fundeps

 

Contact

María Laura Carrizo, lauracarrizo@fundeps.org

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Breaking the mold: advocacy from a feminist perspective

From Fundeps, together with IDEJUS and Católicas por el Derecho a Decidir, we present “Breaking schemes: a Conversation on Feminist Litigation” at the Faculty of Law of the National University of Córdoba. We spoke with an international panel of lawyers with outstanding experience in the defense of human rights.

“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”.

On Friday, September 15, within the framework of the optional subject “Feminist Litigation: Legal Strategies for Gender Equality” taught this semester at the Faculty of Law, the first discussion on feminist litigation took place. The subject addresses conceptual issues about strategic litigation and feminist criticism of law, with a practical part in which cases and experiences are studied. The teaching team is made up of lawyers from Fundeps, CDD and IDEJUS.

With the participation of Lucía de la Vega (CELS), Soledad Deza (Women x Women), Mariela Galeazzi (Amnesty International), Patricia Sotile (Latin American Justice and Gender Team) and Natalia Acevedo Guerrero (O’Neill Institute for Law and Global and National Health from Georgetown University), we talked about her experience in social organizations and in the development of strategic litigation, the obstacles to the practice of law with a feminist perspective and her response to all types of judicial controversies. They highlighted the importance of collective and interdisciplinary work for comprehensive approaches and the need for training in feminist and human rights perspectives in the legal field.

With a review of those causes in which they participated, the progress of the integration of perspectives for real access to justice and the importance of its promotion and dissemination was analyzed.

Through these instances, in line with what was discussed with the panel and with the institutional support of the Faculty of Law, we are committed to contributing to the training of legal professionals with a gender perspective.

 

Author

Luz Baretta

Contact

Mayca Balaguer, maycabalaguer@fundeps.org

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Argentina’s entry into the BRICS: what does it mean?

On August 22-24, the 15th BRICS Summit took place in South Africa, where heads of state of the member countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, whose acronym is the acronym) met at a high-level forum to discuss key issues for the most prominent emerging economies.

“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”.

During the XV Summit, the Heads of State met with members of the business sector in dialogue with the New Development Bank to outline the main axes that will guide BRICS policy. This year’s agenda included the potential “de-dollarization” of global trade, with China and the yuan at the forefront of this ambition, as well as the possible effects of the Russian-Ukrainian war on cooperation between member countries. However, the emphasis was on the expansion of BRICS to include the countries that have submitted official applications for membership: Argentina, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt.

Finally, during the summit, Argentina, as well as the rest of the countries mentioned above, was formally invited to join the BRICS as from January 1, 2024. Since it is an international forum that does not imply a supranational integration process, the decision to join will be at the discretion of the Executive Power that takes office on December 10. Some of the presidential candidates, such as Javier Miliei (La Libertad Avanza) and Patricia Bullrich (Juntos por el Cambio) have expressed critical positions regarding the accession, alleging a strong difference with the international actions of the BRICS countries, especially in reference to their violations of international law, such as during the war in Ukraine.

In this sense, it is possible to identify some key elements regarding the implications of Argentina’s participation in the BRICS. Mainly, reference is made to the quantitative dimension of the BRICS group, which concentrates 40% of the world’s population and 25% of the world’s GDP, a percentage that, together, equals that of the United States (World Bank Data Center). In addition to these numbers, there are those that link Argentina specifically with the founding countries: the main recipients of Argentine exports include Brazil, China and India; while its main imports come from China and Brazil (OEC).

The role of the New Development Bank

The economic factor becomes more relevant if the possibilities of financing by the New Development Bank (NDB) are taken into account. The BRICS development bank was founded by the member nations of the bloc in 2014, during the sixth summit held in Fortaleza, Brazil. This international bank is positioned as an alternative to the IMF and the World Bank, with credits oriented mainly to infrastructure projects and which, according to the official website, prioritize “high-impact operations that are environmentally smart, resilient, technologically integrated and socially inclusive”.

Currently, the New Development Bank finances projects in only 6 countries (China, India, Brazil, Russia, South Africa and Bangladesh) for a total of US$ 32.8 billion. According to sources such as Ámbito Financiero, Argentina is already negotiating with Dilma Rousseff, who holds the presidency, a possible credit line that would help alleviate the pressure on the debts with the IMF. In order to join the NBD, Argentina must make a capital contribution of “US$250 million in sovereign bonds held by the Treasury, from the Guarantee and Sustainability Fund (FGS) of the National Social Security Administration (Anses) and other sources” (La Nación). A key element of participation in the NBD is that in their general strategy they commit to grant 30% of their loans in local currency of the recipient country, in order to mitigate the risk of foreign investment (NBD). In the case of Argentina, this could diversify the sources of financing and reduce dependence on the dollar and the IMF. However, there are still concerns about the bank’s transparency and the possibility of access to public consultations or information on the investment process (Diálogo Chino).

Since its creation, BRICS has positioned itself as an alternative multilateral cooperation forum for emerging economies, which emphasizes multipolarity and a “de-ideologized” positioning, prioritizing informal dialogue and trade exchange. In this sense, Argentina’s entry into the forum presents a space for rapprochement with the large economies of the world that are disputing an alternative model of financing for development.

 

More information

 

Author

Lourdes Álvarez Romagnoli

Contact

Gonzalo Roza – gon.roza@fundeps.org

 

*Source of the image: El Cronista

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We participate in the 2023 Global Open Government Summit

Between Tuesday, September 5 and Thursday, September 7, the 8th Open Government Global Summit (OGP Global Summit) was held in Tallinn, Estonia. It brought together members of the Open Government Global Partnership (OGP) from both governments and civil society from around the world, who are working on this agenda in their countries and localities. In this edition, the Summit focused on open government in the digital age, the potential of technology to make governance and policymaking more transparent and accountable, as well as the preservation of democracy.

“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”.

At Fundeps we are part of the Network of Civil Society Organizations for the Open State, which accompanies Argentina’s accession to the Alliance for Open Government. We also contribute to the creation processes of both the National Open Government Plans, as well as that of the province of Córdoba and the Legislature of Córdoba.

Based on this, within the 2023 Global Summit, we participated in the Session “Building national-local coalitions for open government” and shared a panel with different government and civil society references from Brazil, Morocco, Ukraine and the Philippines. Experiences of coalitions between federal or national governments with local or municipal labor governments or civil society were shared. In our case, we share the Federal Open Government Program (PFGA) which was the result of a construction between the National Directorate of Open Government, the Municipal Training Directorate and different civil society organizations that collaborate in its design and monitoring in the 4th and 5th National Open Government Action Plan. The PFGA consists of accompanying different initiatives of transparency, innovation, accountability, participation and collaboration promoted by provincial and municipal governments of our country.

Then we attended other talks, workshops and conferences related to experiences of participation and fiscal transparency; transparency in the extractive sector; climate change and just transition; among other. Without a doubt, the OGP 2023 Summit was a very enriching space to share and exchange experiences and realities among the entire open government community. Although the challenges in this agenda remain and are renewed.

At Fundeps we are committed to continuing to collaborate in strengthening initiatives that tend to generate increasingly transparent and permeable governments, with genuine spaces for participation and that respond to social demands in a collaborative way.

 

Known:

  • All the Sessions that took place at the Summit: here.
  • The initiatives awarded at the Summit: here.
  • The National Open Government Plan: here.
  • The Local OGP Plan of the province of Córdoba: here.
  • The Open Parliament Plan of the Legislature of Córdoba: here.

 

Contact

Victoria Sibilla: ninasibilla@fundeps.org

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Demystifying development financing

“Demystifying Development Finance” offers insightful insight into Public Development Banks (PDBs) and their profound impact on the world. From the money they invest to the rules they set, these banks influence our lives and the well-being of the planet in ways we often underestimate.

In recent years, the PDBs have advocated playing an even greater role in addressing climate change, global poverty, and other crises. However, the case studies and evidence presented in this report show that BPDs are actually exacerbating problems they claim to solve. The push towards privatization, the extractivist and top-down approach, and the limitations of social and environmental safeguards often deepen inequalities, lead to human rights violations, fuel climate change and increase debt.

Produced by more than 100 civil society activists, this joint analysis aims to open a much-needed discussion about the role development banks play in today’s global economy and what we can do to hold them accountable.

Descargar Documento / Download File
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Kit of materials: Let’s build a healthier school

From Fundación Sanar, Fundeps and Fagran we launched “Let’s build a healthier school”, materials aimed at the educational community. Their objective is to promote the implementation of the labeling law in school environments and reflect on the nutrition of children and adolescents.

“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”.

Law 27,642 for the Promotion of Healthy Eating, known as the labeling law, is a comprehensive policy that seeks to protect and promote the right to adequate food and the right to health, especially for children and adolescents. To achieve this, it proposes a package of measures that seek to transform the environments where they grow and develop, limiting the supply of unhealthy products in schools and exposure to marketing, educating on food and nutritional aspects, and promoting equitable access to healthy foods.

In this framework, schools constitute a key space for the implementation of the law and have specific regulations to comply with. Children and adolescents spend a large part of their time there and therefore, it is a suitable place to promote healthy habits.

In this context, the process of adaptation to the norm requires an accompanied and informed educational community. For this reason, from Fundeps, Fundación Sanar and Fagran we launched the kit of materials “Let’s build a healthier school”.

The objective is to provide tools to encourage the active participation of the entire educational community in promoting healthier and more sustainable eating practices. It includes materials so that each member can rethink her role within the process and become a change agent in school nutrition.

What materials are included in the kit?

  • A document with information about the law as a comprehensive public policy. It provides information about the evidence that supports it and the purpose of each of its axes. At the same time, it approaches a practical activity of a reflective nature to achieve collaborative work among the members of the community.
  • 3 Videos: one aimed at authorities and decision makers in the educational field, another at those responsible for children and adolescents; and one for children (which can be useful in the classroom).

ACCESS THE KIT OF MATERIALS

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Mapping and analysis of food industry arguments against labeling laws in Latin America

This document explores arguments used by food companies against the health policies of Chile, Uruguay, Mexico and Peru, and the responses of the States. The objective is to provide tools that ensure the legal defense of policies in other countries, taking what has happened before as an example.

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Public purchases of food for school environments

The objective of this work was to identify those factors that facilitate and hinder the implementation of Law 27,642 in relation to public purchases for school canteens in 5 Argentine provinces. At the same time, recommendations are made to be distributed between the executive and legislative branches of the jurisdictions.

Ícono de validado por la comunidad
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Inter-American Development Bank: public consultation for its new Institutional Strategy

On June 27, the IDB Group (Inter-American Development Bank, IDB Invest, and IDB Lab) announced the opening of the public consultation process for the preparation of its new Institutional Strategy. The process will be carried out through collaborations and face-to-face and virtual consultations with interested parties, including civil society.

“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”.

In accordance with the mandate to review and prepare the Institutional Strategy every four years, the IDB Group announced a new opening of the public consultation process. The IDB Group is one of the main sources of financing for development in Latin America and the Caribbean and is made up of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB); IDB Invest, which works with the private sector; and IDB Lab, which focuses on developing innovative ways to drive inclusive growth.

The main objective of the consultation is to receive opinions and inputs from interested parties, among which are representatives of governments, the private sector and civil society for the development of a new Institutional Strategy. The process begins after the agreement of the main guidelines established by the Executive Boards of both the IDB and IDB Invest. Once established, the procedure is divided into two phases: the first phase consists of consultations with representatives of the government, private sector, and civil society, either virtually or in person, in the 26 borrowing member countries. In turn, it also includes the possibility that any interested party can contribute inputs through an online form that is available until August 15, 2023. The second phase begins after the approval of the new Strategy by the the Board of Governors, in March 2024, in which those who participated in the public consultation will be informed about the inputs received and will be shared with them the new Institutional Strategy of the IDB Group that will be valid until 2030.

In Argentina there are three dates established for public consultations: with civil society (08/04/23), with the private sector (08/10/23) and with the government (08/16/23). To access the dates of public consultations in the other countries, consult here. For comments or more information, you can contact the following email: consultaspublicas@iadb.org

From Fundeps we consider the opening of this process as an opportunity to strengthen the Bank’s dialogue with civil society. This is why we will participate in the process in the month of August by sending contributions to strengthen the next institutional strategy.

 

More Information

 

Author

Candela Jauregui

Contact

Gonzalo Roza, gon.roza@fundeps.org

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Abortion rights advocacy work is collective and international

During the last few months we have participated in international training, exchange and strengthening of the struggle for the right to access to abortion in the continent.

“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”.

Both the organization for advocacy and the difficulties involved are a common factor of the movements in the struggle for access to abortion throughout the region. With their differences and local particularities, a large group of people are part of international instances to share experiences and perspectives.

A tide that crosses borders

In February, following the new scenario that emerged with the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the famous “Roe v. Wade” ruling, the Green Wave Gathering was held in Washington, D.C. More than one hundred leaders and activists from the Americas participated under a fundamental premise of the feminist movement: joining forces. During three days, there were multiple tables of exchange and presentation of the problems of each country and the ways to address them, focusing on the construction of an intersectional and decolonial perspective of struggle. The meeting ended with a pañuelazo at Freedom Plaza, where the artwork created by the artist Paola Mendoza, representing the connection between the two continents for reproductive justice, was exhibited. In addition, the artwork pays tribute to the activists who have worked tirelessly to promote reproductive rights in both regions.

 

 

Persisting for change: abortion is our right

In June we also participated in the VII Regional Conference of CLACAI (Latin American Consortium Against Unsafe Abortion) which took place in Panama City, Panama. The Conference brought together health and legal professionals and journalists working for the defense of abortion rights from eighteen Latin American countries. There were multiple spaces for debate, training and collective construction for a comprehensive approach to the proposal. We would especially highlight the first face-to-face meeting of the recent Youth Network for the Right to Abortion in Latin America and the Caribbean, which is presented as a powerful space for the future of the movement.

The exchange of regional experiences and the strengthening of networks is one of the great signs that the struggle is collective.

 

 

Networked law

In line with the strengthening of networks and as part of the CLACAI Legal Network, we recently presented an Amicus Curiae before the Constitutional Court of Colombia. This action is framed in a case about a situation of multiple violence in the care of a young woman’s termination of pregnancy.

Through these instances we fight for the participation and collective and regional construction of the legal recognition of the right to access to safe abortions, the construction of public policies and standards respectful of the human and fundamental rights of pregnant women.

 

Author

Luz Baretta

Contact

Mayca Balaguer, maycabalaguer@fundeps.org

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A podcast beyond labels

From Fundeps, Fundación Sanar and Anfibia Podcast we launched “Exceso de Todo”, a podcast narrated by Lucas Fridman, which runs from the controversy around the octagons and focuses on healthy eating.

“Below, we offer a google translate version of the original article in Spanish. This translation may not be accurate but serves as a general presentation of the article. For more accurate information, please switch to the Spanish version of the website. In addition, feel free to directly contact in English the person mentioned at the bottom of this article with regards to this topic”.

Almost a year ago, the Law for the Promotion of Healthy Eating began to be implemented in Argentina, better known as the Law of Frontal Labeling. The black octagons that we see on the products are the ones that generated the most debate, but they represent one of the components of the law.

The objective of this podcast is to bring all the points that make it up and tell in 5 episodes how we eat in Argentina and what we need to eat better. It also addresses everything from advertising regulation to what can be eaten in schools, how public purchases for school and community canteens are managed and why when we talk about food it is not about individual choices.

The testimonies it gathers are from members of organizations that promoted it, journalists, leaders in nutrition and food, environment, people from the advertising industry, among others.

Listen to the podcast here

The episodes will premiere weekly on Thursdays until August 17. The podcast will be broadcast on Spotify and on all audio platforms.

 

Contact

Maga Merlo, magamerlov@fundeps.org

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This document systematizes the reasons why Argentina must ratify the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control to strengthen health protection standards.

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