Argentina Rejects UN Gender Violence Resolution Under President Milei

In a surprising turn of events, Argentina has voted against a United Nations resolution aimed at denouncing violence against women and girls. This decision has raised eyebrows globally, especially since Argentina has long been viewed as a progressive nation in Latin America. The resolution, which was drafted by France and the Netherlands, received overwhelming support from other countries, making Argentina's solitary 'no' vote particularly shocking.

The vote took place on a Thursday, and the backlash was immediate. Critics from across the political spectrum in Argentina expressed their dismay. President Javier Milei, who has been in office for nearly a year, is known for his right-wing policies and has made several controversial foreign policy decisions. His administration has been characterized by a shift towards aligning more closely with the United States and Israel, moving away from Argentina's traditional stance of supporting the Global South.

Richard Sanders, a global fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, commented on this shift, stating, "It’s a big break with standard Argentine foreign policy, which has long been oriented toward making Argentina an integrated part of the Global South." This change in direction is significant, as it reflects a broader trend of Milei's administration to adopt fringe positions that contradict the liberal international order.

Argentina's recent vote at the UN is reminiscent of a previous incident where the country was the only member of the Group of 20 nations to endorse a statement on gender equality. The conservative party of former President Mauricio Macri, who is an ally of Milei, criticized the vote, stating, "Argentina votes alone, against the rest of humanity." This sentiment was echoed by Senator Martín Lousteau from the centrist Unión Cívica Radical party, who labeled the vote a "disgrace." In defense of the decision, top official Guillermo Francos argued that "neither commitments nor treaties will solve the issue of gender violence."

President Milei's approach to governance has drawn comparisons to former US President Donald Trump, particularly in his erratic behavior and controversial statements. Recently, Milei met Trump at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, where they reportedly discussed their shared views on various issues, including gender and economic policies. This meeting has led many to speculate that Milei is seeking to leverage his relationship with Trump to secure financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund, which Argentina desperately needs to address its economic crisis.

As Milei continues to reshape Argentina's foreign policy, tensions are rising within the country. His administration has faced backlash for eliminating key ministries focused on women's rights and environmental issues. The left-leaning Peronist movement, which has historically dominated Argentine politics, is particularly alarmed by these developments, fearing that hard-won social gains, such as the legalization of abortion in 2020, are at risk.

Argentina's recent vote against the UN resolution on gender violence is not just a political misstep; it symbolizes a broader ideological shift under President Milei's leadership. As the country navigates these turbulent waters, the implications of this vote will likely resonate far beyond its borders, affecting Argentina's international relationships and domestic policies. The world watches closely as Argentina grapples with its identity and the future direction of its governance.