The indigenous communities of Salta province have joined nationwide protests against a recent government decree that they claim undermines their land rights and constitutional protections.
The decree, issued by President Javier Mileis administration, has sparked outrage among indigenous groups who view it as a dangerous precedent that threatens their ancestral lands and cultural heritage.
This decree is not simply about land; its about our very existence, stated a representative from the Consejo Originario de Pueblos de Tastill, one of the many indigenous organizations participating in the protests.
Our territories are not just pieces of property; they are the foundation of our culture, our identity, and our future.
The decree, issued on International Human Rights Day, has been widely criticized for its timing and content.
Critics argue that it undermines the legal framework that protects indigenous rights, enshrined in both national legislation and international treaties like Convention No. 169 of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
A decree cannot supersede constitutional guarantees, said a spokesperson for the Asamblea de Articulación Plurinacional Regional Norte.
This is a blatant attack on our sovereignty and self-determination.
The indigenous communities are demanding the immediate withdrawal of the decree, the reinstatement of their legal protections under existing legislation, and the issuance of land titles that recognize their ancestral ownership.
They also call for the resignation of officials at the National Institute of Indigenous Affairs (INAI) who they accuse of complicity in this assault on their rights.
Adding to the urgency of their demands, indigenous groups have accused the Argentine government of committing crimes against nature, humanity, and culture through its policies towards indigenous communities.
They are preparing to file formal complaints with international bodies, highlighting the gravity of the situation they face.
The protests reflect a growing sense of frustration and anger among indigenous populations across Argentina who feel increasingly marginalized and threatened by government policies that disregard their rights and traditions.