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We claim the right to protest and demand: enough repression

After the publication in the Official Gazette of the Nation of Decree of Necessity and Urgency 70/2023, which was widely questioned by civil society for favoring large global corporations and lacking the urgency that would justify its adoption, thousands of protesters gathered. They gathered in different parts of the country to express their repudiation.

“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 the city of Córdoba, the call took place in the Patio Olmos, where hundreds of people gathered around 9 p.m. and blocked the road on Vélez Sarsfield Avenue in a peaceful demonstration. Around 10 p.m., the Córdoba Police confronted the gathered people and fired pepper spray and rubber bullets to clear the protest, taking 5 protesters into custody.

As a human rights organization, we maintain that the right to petition authorities, freedom of expression and the right to protest play a key role in developing and strengthening democratic systems. They are protected by our Constitution and by various international instruments.

Social protest must be managed democratically and not criminalized or repressed. Public powers must respect international standards related to social protest and the obligations that must guide the state response.

For this reason, we demand that local authorities take the necessary measures to adequately address social conflict, in compliance with constitutional guarantees and human rights. We also demand the immediate release of those detained.

The people have the right to express themselves and take to the streets to fight. Enough repressing. Enough chasing.

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The Way of the Vote

A few days before the elections this Sunday, November 19, a new controversy has entered the public agenda: one of the parties competing in the runoff decided to deliver fewer ballots to the Electoral Justice to be distributed at the polling stations, alleging the fear that the ballots would disappear and citizens would not be able to exercise their right to vote. However, this claim has several inconsistencies.

The political parties are responsible for the printing of the ballots and their distribution, for which the State grants them the necessary funds to do so. For these elections, the National Electoral Directorate valued each ballot at $2.92, granting each party the equivalent of 2 and a half padrones. This means that 2 and a half ballots per party are printed for each voter.

For example, only for the category of presidency and vice-presidency in the PASO 2023, each party was granted a little more than 103 million pesos to be used exclusively for the printing of ballots. Although the parties may decide to print fewer ballots than those established by the Law, if they do so, they are obliged to return the unearned amount.

The parties may choose to distribute the ballots on their own or give them to the Electoral Board to take them to the voting centers, distributing bundles of 350 ballots for each table plus 2 extra bundles for contingencies, or four more if the center has more than 9 tables.

Even if the Electoral Justice were given a bundle of 350 ballots per table -which would be enough to cover all the people who are going to vote-, the party would retain a total of one and a half ballot lists to dispose of freely, either by distributing them the days prior to the election or by using them as contingency ballots during the electoral process, with which not only would there be no lack of ballots, but there would be ballots left over.

The problem lies elsewhere. The system ensures that each voter has his or her party ballot available to vote, but why would the parties not deliver the necessary ballots to the electoral authorities? Wouldn’t this be a waste of resources and, above all, a possible “black box”? According to an investigation by El Ruido and Connectas, in this year’s PASO only one list out of the 1,818 that ran for election returned the surplus of unprinted ballots. Moreover, 8 billion pesos went to ballots of parties that did not exceed 1.5% of the votes.

It is because of things like these that many organizations have been asking, for a long time, for a Single Paper Ballot system. But it is also true that the current procedure is reliable and has so far reflected the will of the electorate, and there is not a single indication of fraud. In fact, sometimes there are those who prefer to raise the specter of fraud rather than accept that they were not an option for the citizens.

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Public Budget in Córdoba: reflections on the Public Hearing

The Executive Branch of the province of Córdoba presented the 2024 budget bill. On November 9, we presented ourselves at the Public Hearing held in the Legislature.

“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”.

Like every year, the following year’s budget bill is presented. This 2023, due to the elections, the times were brought forward and the project was presented on October 24, something that usually happens on November 15. After being presented, the project is discussed in several Commissions and approved in two legislative sessions, called 1st and 2nd reading. And in between, a Public Hearing is held.

From Fundeps we presented ourselves to the Public Hearing last Thursday, November 9. In this sense, it is noteworthy that starting this year, all the information related to the debate on the 2024 public budget law, with the project and its complementary documents, as well as with the calendar of sessions, dates of the Commission sessions and the Hearing. In addition, the way to register through a web form was improved compared to other years. Yes, we must note that it would be very useful for future occasions to publish the Commissions that meet on each date and to allow external participation, even if it is from listeners. Currently, committee sessions are uploaded to the Legislature’s YouTube channel after they happen.

At the hearing, we made some general observations that we understand make it possible to better analyze the budget and comments on a program related to Water and Sanitation. First of all, we explained that the descriptions of the Budget Programs are very generic and it is necessary that they be accompanied by physical goals and both quantitative and qualitative indicators, for the purposes of their monitoring. In the case of Program 572 analyzed, its content remains the same since its creation in 2018. In the case of the Works, contained in the Public Investment Plans, they are not directly described, at least in the budget documents. Then, we move on to explain Program 572 on Water and Sanitation, which is made up of two subprograms, one related to Drinking Water and the other to Sewage Liquids and Sanitary Services. In both cases we observe their evolution and behavior in the years 2022, 2023 and how they are projected in 2024. In that sense, in the two subprograms the same trend of sub-executions is observed in the year 2022 (32% and 53% respectively). , greater execution in the current year (87% and 75%) and a decrease in the budget allocation for 2024. More notable in the first subprogram than for the second. In that sense, we appeal that these programs be observed by the Legislators present, in view of budget approval in the second session on Wednesday, November 15.

A budget that guarantees rights, such as in this case drinking water and sanitary services that directly impact the rights to health and a healthy environment, is governed by the principles of progressivity and non-regression, in which care must be taken that In the allocation of resources there are no setbacks, avoiding cutting or reducing the levels reached.

Participation in the audience was very varied. There were Professional Associations (such as Lawyers or Notaries), civil housing associations, social sports, companions of children in vulnerable situations, among other actors. This shows that, although this instance is extremely valuable and allows a direct approach by the authorities to problems that bring together different social actors, it also reveals the lack of more spaces for participation. So that people and citizens who often face and solve public problems can channel their demands more effectively. This could be resolved with periodic hearings or greater social participation in the thematic commissions of the Legislature.

It is extremely important that these spaces become increasingly accessible, open and widespread. This is key so that the greatest number of social actors can approach and present their points of view and observations in the development of public policies that directly affect them.

More information

You can consult the entire Public Hearing here, and our participation in the minutes: 2:55.50 – 3:06.20.

Related notes Public budget:

Contact

Victoria Sibilla, ninasibilla@fundeps.org

Ícono de validado por la comunidad
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Democracy is improved with more democracy

Democracy is much more than going to vote and electing authorities periodically. It is collectively building a society and a political system based on respect for diversity, without violence, where it is recognized that the path to development goes hand in hand with the defense of democratic institutions. In these elections, let us keep in mind 40 years of learning as a society. Let us not throw away the democracy we have achieved.

In these 40 years, we have learned to respect differences, to value the plurality of voices, to prefer dialogue to violence. The democratic pact was synthesized in the Nunca Más (Never Again), and from there -with difficulties and many pending issues- we have advanced in more rights for more people. This society voted in 30 elections that reliably reflect the will of the electorate. It is an electoral system we can trust.

Today, the undersigned civil society organizations see with concern how the electoral contest is taking place in the midst of proposals and speeches of hate and political violence, offensive and discriminatory.

These speeches are unacceptable and encourage us to move away from the democratic pact that we have worked so hard to uphold. The idea, which we thought was outdated, that a political adversary is an enemy takes us back to our worst times and can only bring chaos and violence to our daily lives.

There is no doubt that Argentina’s democracy has debts. Therefore, our new democratic pact, the one for the next 40 years, must incorporate bases for development and, in addition, promote practices that bring public institutions closer to citizens in order to improve the lives of all. Democracy is improved with more democracy.

  • Abogadas y abogados del Noroeste Argentino en Derechos Humanos y Estudios Sociales (Andhes)
  • Amnistía Internacional Argentina
  • ARDA (Asociación de Reducción de Daños de Argentina) 
  • Asociación Conciencia
  • Asociación Pensamiento Penal
  • CAREF
  • Centro de Estudios Legales y Sociales (CELS)
  • Centro de Implementación de Políticas Públicas para la Equidad y el Crecimiento (Cippec)
  • Democracia en Red
  • Equipo Latinoamericano de Justicia y Género (ELA)
  • Escuela de fiscales
  • Fundación Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (FARN)
  • Fundación Cambio Democrático
  • Fundación Endeavor Argentina
  • Fundación Huésped
  • Fundar
  • Fundeps
  • Greenpeace Argentina
  • INECIP
  • Intercambios
  • Nuestra Mendoza
  • Poder Ciudadano
  • Proyecto Educar 2050
  • RACI
  • Red por los Derechos de las Personas con Discapacidad (REDI)
  • Reset, políticas de drogas y Derechos Humanos
  • Salta Transparente
  • Xumek Mendoza
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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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Concern of civil society at a serious setback for the right of access to public information

Through resolutions No. 436/2023 and No. 543/2023, the Public Ministry of Defense decided to annul the appointment of the person responsible for the Office of Access to Public Information, citing budgetary reasons. Although there is an interim official fulfilling these tasks, the technical suitability, autonomy and exclusive dedication required to adequately perform the position are not guaranteed, which implies a serious setback for the guarantee of this right.

“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”.

One of the most relevant advances of Law 27,275 on the Right of Access to Public Information was the creation of autonomous and specialized institutions in each of the powers of the national State, which are in charge of controlling its proper compliance, as well as promoting better practices and protect the interest of persons requesting public information. In 2018, the Public Ministry of Defense formed the Agency and appointed its head, who completed his duties in April of this year.

On April 18, 2023, through Resolution 436/2023, the Public Ministry of Defense annulled the regulations for the appointment of the person responsible for the Office of Access to Information of the entity and ordered that its functions were assumed by staff of the Legal Department, on an interim basis. Said decision was supported by a note presented by the Office of General and Financial Administration in which it informed that “in view of the existing budget deficit situation in the projection of annual expenses of this Public Ministry of Defense, there is no possibility of maintaining the existing position structure in the Office of Access to Public Information”.

Subsequently, through Resolution 543/2023, the person from the Legal Department was appointed who, in addition to fulfilling the functions he currently has in that unit, will carry out the tasks entrusted to the Office of Access to Information.

The current scheme does not guarantee the right of access to public information and constitutes a serious setback in the matter. Resolutions 436 and 543 of 2023 are illegal and unconstitutional, as long as:

  1. The person who temporarily occupies the position of head of the Information Access Office does not have the technical suitability, autonomy, or exclusive dedication required to adequately perform the position. Said appointment must conform to the content of Law 27,275 that orders the selection process to be open, public and transparent (art. 28), which has not been respected in this case.
  2. They leave the management of the Office of Access to Information in an interim state without clear rules that over time can become a situation of indefinite permanence. The rules for his election were left without effect and to date no new guidelines have been issued to remedy the current situation.
  3. Both resolutions are based on budgetary reasons, but it has not been proven that other measures that were less harmful to the right were attempted, such as cutting the cost of non-essential services.

The signatory civil society organizations express our concern about this situation and emphasize the need for the Public Ministry of Defense to respect the institutional framework established by Law 27,275 to guarantee the right of access to public information, which strengthens and secures our democracy, facilitates the exercise of other rights and plays an essential role in preventing corruption and promoting transparency in the State. For this reason, we request the General Defender of the Nation to annul resolutions 436 and 543 of 2023 and to begin the selection process so that the position is adequately covered. The note presented can be viewed here.

  • Adhere:

Asociación Civil por la Igualdad y la Justicia

Alianza Regional por la Libre Expresión e Información

Democracia en Red

Directorio Legislativo

Fundación Conocimiento Abierto

Fundeps- Fundación para el Desarrollo de Políticas Sustentables 

INECIP- Instituto de Estudios Comparados en Ciencias Penales y Sociales

Nuestra Mendoza

Poder Ciudadano

Salta Transparente

 

Contact

María Victoria Sibilla, ninasibilla@fundeps.org

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We stand in solidarity with the citizens mobilized in Jujuy and demand an end to violence

“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 a context of subjugation of fundamental rights, such as the right to fair remuneration, to participate in the political processes of constitutional reforms and to care for the land, protest constitutes a legitimate form of claim for communities and for the citizenship in general.

The purported constitutional reform in the province of Jujuy violates widely recognized rights, such as the right to protest, limiting freedom of expression and property to indigenous lands, and enabling the continued violation of fundamental rights for all people, such as It has been happening since last June 17.

In this context, indigenous communities claim that this constitutional reform advances their acquired rights and their territories. Communities have rights that must be respected in the decision-making processes of the State. In this sense, we highlight that the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights “urges Argentina to establish transparent and voluntary dialogue processes, which include local traditional authorities, in order to address the demands of indigenous peoples.”

On the other hand, UN Human Rights expressed its concern about reports of violations of rights and violent actions within the framework of the protests in Jujuy. He made an urgent call for constructive and intercultural dialogue, which guarantees the effective participation of indigenous peoples and all interested parties, to overcome the crisis through democratic and institutional means.

We demand that the government cease institutional violence and repression towards the population, and convene spaces for dialogue and consultation in accordance with international human rights standards.

Furthermore, in a context in which misinformation circulates, and resources are used that relativize institutional violence and stigmatize indigenous peoples, workers and their organizations, we call for the media to carry out responsible dissemination of the facts, incorporating the voice of the people whose rights are being violated.

 

*Photo: @susi.maresca

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The 5th National Open Government Plan was presented

On May 23, we were at the presentation of the 5th National Open Government Plan, a public policy instrument co-created with civil society and citizens that contains 7 open government commitments to be implemented by different agencies of the national state. We shared the panel with Delfina Pérez from the National Directorate of Open Government, Andrés Bertona from the Anti-Corruption Office and Florencia Caffarone from Democracia en Red.

“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”.

The current Plan was co-created in 2022, from the National Open Government Table, in dialogue with the Network of Civil Society Organizations for the Open State and the rest of the citizens who participated in this process. From Fundeps we are part of the National Open Government Board (2020 – 2022) and from that space we contributed to the co-creation of the 5th Plan, articulating between the National Open Government Directorate and different organizations that were involved in it.

This Action Plan is part of the obligations assumed by Argentina before the Alliance for Open Government, which it joined in 2012. Since then, and every two years, the country co-creates and implements different policies and concrete commitments in this scope.

How was the process of co-creation of the 5th Open Government Plan?

For the first time, and in order to guarantee equal participation among all people located in different parts of the country, this Plan was co-created in its entirety virtually, through meeting platforms, the website argentina.gob.ar and its Public Consultation portal. In turn, within the National Open Government Roundtable, and following the recommendations of the Participation and Co-Creation Standards (2022) of the Open Government Alliance, it was agreed to design a Plan with a maximum of 10 commitments.

For this, a prioritization of topics was carried out in consultation with the Network of CSOs for the Open State. The selected topics were: Environment and implementation of the Escazú Agreement; Public work; Gender and Care Policies; Mental health; Open State and Federalization; Water and Sanitation in the AMBA; Information about health providers; Food and implementation of the Law for the Promotion of Healthy Eating (known as the Frontal Labeling Law). Not all, however, concluded in commitments of the Plan, for various reasons. Especially, and in terms of the implementation of the Law for the Promotion of Healthy Eating, from Fundeps we will continue contributing to the construction of proposals that contribute to the application of said law.

After this, the public instances for the design of the 5th Plan began in August 2022, with a series of Challenge Identification Workshops, for each of the pre-selected topics. Their objective was to jointly identify the challenges that the 5th Plan could respond to. Then, in October, the public instance for the reception of proposals was opened, with the slogan that open government policy solutions be suggested, which can respond to those challenges posed. With these inputs, each government area involved drew up its preliminary commitment drafting, which was submitted to public consultation for comments. At the same time, a dialogue instance was developed for each topic – commitment and finally the final writing was carried out.

What does the 5th Open Government Plan consist of?

The current Plan consists of 7 commitments assumed by different departments of the national government.

Compromiso Dependencia a cargo
1. Participación pública en la toma de decisiones ambientales en el marco de la implementación del Acuerdo de Escazú en Argentina Secretaría de Cambio Climático, Desarrollo Sostenible e Innovación – Ministerio de Ambiente y Desarrollo Sostenible de la Nación
2. Participación y control ciudadano en la obra pública Dirección Nacional de Transparencia – Ministerio de Obras Públicas de la Nación
3. Mujeres en el sistema productivo federal: más evidencia, menos brecha Dirección Nacional de Seguimiento y Evaluación de la Gestión, Secretaría de Industria y Desarrollo Productivo – Ministerio de Economía
4. Salud Mental: desinstitucionalización e inclusión social de personas con padecimiento mental Dirección Nacional de Abordaje Integral de la Salud Mental y los Consumos Problemáticos –

Ministerio de Salud de la Nación
5. Acceso a la información y políticas de cuidados Dirección de Mapeo Federal de Cuidado – Ministerio de las Mujeres, Géneros y Diversidad de la Nación
6. El acceso a la información y los prestadores de servicios de salud Dirección Nacional de Calidad en Servicios de Salud y Regulación Sanitaria – Ministerio de Salud de la Nación
7. Programa Federal de Estado Abierto  Dirección Nacional de Gobierno Abierto – Jefatura de Gabinete de Ministros

Dirección de Asuntos Municipales – Ministerio del Interior

Here you can access the details of each of them, from page 37 onwards.

What can citizens and civil society organizations do with the 5th Plan?

Once the Open Government Plan has been designed, the objective is to implement it, in this case, during 2023 and 2024. To this end, any interested person or civil society organization can get involved, either by following up on each stage of its implementation or by participating more actively, when the commitments allow it, in some phases of its fulfillment. In this sense, at least one instance of open dialogue with civil society and citizens interested in the issues addressed was foreseen for each commitment, and the platform Metas de seguimiento del Plan was developed. This seeks to facilitate and energize this implementation instance, which, according to previous experience, is always the most difficult when it comes to articulating and sustaining incentives.

As an organization committed to open government policies and several of the issues addressed in this Plan, we will closely follow and accompany each instance of progress and will be alert to signs of stagnation or setbacks.

It seems to us a great shared achievement, among different organizations that were part of the National Open Government Roundtable, such as the Network of Civil Society Organizations for the Open State, activists and open government policy reformers, that Argentina continues to challenge itself with each new Open Government National Action Plan.

 

More information

Read about the 5th National Open Government Plan of Action here

Watch the presentation of the 5th Open Government National Plan of Action here

 

Contact

María Victoria Sibilla, ninasibilla@fundeps.org

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Lithium and Transparency in Argentina

Throughout this report we will discuss, first of all, a series of data on the current situation of Argentina in relation to lithium production that places it in a central role within the world concert. Then we will focus on the mining governance system, stating the laws that configure it, its main elements and those points that merit further analysis. Subsequently, we will address, from some indicators suggested by the Standard, the two projects that are in the lithium production stage in Argentina: the Fénix Project in the Hombre Muerto salt flat and Sales de Jujuy in the Olaroz-Cauchari salt flat. In particular, regarding whether or not to publicize their contracts, as a fundamental link in terms of publicity and transparency in the development of these projects.

Descargar Documento / Download File
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We participated in a workshop: Beneficiaries of the extractive sector in Argentina

On March 3 and 4, we participated in the workshop on Final Beneficiaries of Companies in the extractive and energy sector of Argentina, held in the City of Buenos Aires. The event was organized by Opening Extractives (a program co-implemented by EITI and Open Ownership) and the Argentine Journalism Forum (FOPEA).

“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”.

The workshop had among its objectives to raise awareness about the importance of public information of the final beneficiaries, and at the same time, provide resources and materials to increase research, projects and analysis within this field.

In this sense, the training was divided into three modules: first, content and information on final beneficiaries was presented, from the theoretical to the legal and also practical, both nationally and internationally. Those who spoke in this first module were: Andrés Knobel from the Tax Justice Network; María Eugenia Marano, specialist in corporate law; Pamela Morales, Undersecretary of Mining Development of the Government of the Nation; Gonzalo Fernández of the Ministry of Mining Development of the Nation; and Lucía Cirimello from the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

Secondly, civil society organizations had the opportunity to present their projects related to the theme. In this way, Edgardo Livitnoff (Red Ruido Coordinator) presented progress on the report “Lithium and transparency in Argentina” that we prepared together. For her part, Eugenia Rodríguez (Centro de Economía Política Argentina) shared details about the work of her organization: “The rich of Argentina”.

Finally, the third module consisted of a practical workshop given by Mariel Fitz Patricks, in which tools and resources were provided for approaching final beneficiaries. The journalist helped us, mainly, to access information and how, in this way, to enrich work carried out and to carry out on the subject.
This instance was very fruitful, not only in terms of knowledge and learning, but also in terms of the possibility of meeting peers from other civil society organizations, with whom one could work together in the near future.

 

 

More information:

 

Author

Maitén de los Milagros Fuma

Contact

Maria Victoria Sibilla, ninasibilla@fundeps.org

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Budget and Rights: Working group on budget analysis

Last Thursday, November 24, we held a Working Group on Budget and Rights, together with the Civil Association for Equality and Justice (ACIJ), the Observatory of Labor, Economy and Society (OTES) and the accompaniment of the Federal Institute of Government (IFG) of the Catholic University of Córdoba.

“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”.

The activity was carried out in continuity with a series of virtual meetings that we held in August of this year, where conceptual issues of the public budget, the gender perspective within the budget, and some examples both in the national budget and in that of the province of Córdoba.

In the Working Group on Budget and Rights, the proposal was rather practical and was divided into two stages. A first exhibition, in which OTES commented on some of its reports and main findings after analyzing the budgets of the province of Córdoba, in recent years. From ACIJ and Fundeps we share where the main budget information is located in the province, to give rise to the second moment of the meeting for budget analysis by the attendees.

So, according to thematic affinities, we divided into groups and based on some triggering slogans, we navigated through the web portals of the province of Córdoba where budget information is found and we proceeded to analyze some policies or programs of interest. In this sense, there were groups on the environment, health, education, housing, disability and gender. At the end, we shared the findings in full and different exchanges were generated about the information that is available, the need to incorporate other elements and indicators when carrying out this type of analysis, among others.

This Table took place a week before the 2023 Budget Public Hearing will be held in Córdoba in the Legislature, which is why at the end we share the information on how to participate in it. It is essential that these spaces for participation are promoted and how to attend is clearly and accessible disseminated, with the aim of diversifying the voices in this space and democratizing the debate around a key element for the guarantee of our rights.

Thank you ACIJ for inviting us to be part of this initiative and we hope to continue generating spaces for dialogue, debate and research around the different public budgets that are dictated at the different levels of government.

More information

Contact

Maria Victoria Sibilla, ninasibilla@fundeps.org

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A dialogue on food programs, public purchases and the Law for the Promotion of Healthy Eating

Last Thursday, November 17, we held a meeting on the current management of food programs for school canteens in the provinces of Mendoza, Córdoba, Salta, Tucumán, and Buenos Aires. Special emphasis was placed on food purchasing systems and on the need to guarantee the effective application of Law No. 27,642 on the Promotion of Healthy Eating (PAS) within the framework of school assistance programs in each of these provinces. The event was organized by Fundeps, Nuestra Mendoza, Andhes, Salta Transparente, the Center for the Implementation of Constitutional Rights (CIDC) and also had the support of SANAR.

“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 addition to representatives of the aforementioned civil society organizations, the following participated in the meeting: Claudia Oliva and Victoria Lo Valvo, General Director of the Comprehensive Assistance Program of Córdoba (P.A.I.Cor) and Director of Legal Affairs of the General Directorate of Purchases of Córdoba ; Franco Pullido and Gabriel Sciola, Director of School Feeding of Mendoza and Undersecretary of Administration of the General Directorate of Schools of Mendoza and Matías Molina, General Director of Monitoring of Procurement of Goods and Services of the province of Salta.

At first, through a participatory dynamic, the different representations and social images linked to chronic non-communicable diseases and, specifically, malnutrition due to excess and the commonly known “law of labeling” were addressed. Then the different components of said law were described and, finally, the provisions related to public purchases for school canteens were studied in depth.

It was highlighted that, when dealing with purchases for educational establishments, they should guarantee that products with black seals did not enter the schools, whether they were already packaged products or the ingredients used to prepare the food. This, given that products with at least one seal or precautionary legend cannot be offered, marketed, promoted, advertised or sponsored within schools, by virtue of article 12 of the PAS law.

In a second moment, the floor was given to each of the leading people from the provinces, authorities in the event that they were present or from NGOs, so that they could comment on how the management of the food programs was in each one of them, how Food purchases were decided, with what nutritional criteria, if this information was accessible to the public, all with the aim of identifying some common points and windows of opportunities for the effective application of the PAS law.

By way of conclusion, each attendee identified opportunities, challenges and possibilities for articulation between civil society and the State agencies involved.

 

Authors

Maria Victoria Sibilla

Maga Merlo

Contact

Maria Victoria Sibilla, ninasibilla@fundeps.org