The Buenos Aires office works with civil society actors from Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay on topics related to socio-ecological transformation, democracy and human rights, gender equality and digital policies.
The Heinrich Böll Foundation’s office in Buenos Aires opened in 2024. Sine then, the office promotes debate and critical analysis of international politics from a human rights perspective together with partner organisations. Thus, it builds on the Foundation’s previous work in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, which was formerly managed from the hbs office Santiago de Chile.
Since 2024, democratic freedoms in Argentina have been in decline. The state is increasingly disregarding human rights and abandoning its protective role. President Javier Milei and his government are dismantling state institutions as well as Argentina’s remembrance policy, which has ensured truth and justice since the last civil-military dictatorship. The government is suppressing social protest, eroding economic, social and cultural rights (ESCR) as well as environmental rights, and attacking anyone who resists. Human rights activists, social movements, environmentalists, indigenous and feminist organisations, LGBTQI activists, and even journalists and democratic parties across the entire political spectrum are being delegitimised and harassed.
The reforms implemented by the Argentine government since 2024 have reduced the state’s influence and deregulated the economy, the labour market and environmental protection. At the same time, sectors such as mining, oil and gas extraction, forestry and major infrastructure projects benefit from generous subsidies to increase raw material exports. The government largely ignores the consequences for the environment and society. In particular, the mining of lithium and copper places an enormous strain on ecosystems and communities in many cases.
The Heinrich Böll Foundation and its office in Buenos Aires are committed to promoting pluralistic dialogue and policies that actively shape innovative frameworks for a more sustainable economy and a socially just society. Furthermore, we work to strengthen democracy and gender equality, consolidate democratic institutions, and protect and uphold human rights.
Democracy thrives on civil society getting involved and on citizens and political decision-makers engaging in dialogue. The Foundation connects stakeholders in the region, builds bridges to Europe and supports partner organisations in networking and knowledge-sharing.
The office also advocates for digital rights, supports the protection of journalists and independent media, and defends freedom of expression. The aim is to democratise society through digital technologies. This requires the open and transparent use of these technologies, alongside safeguards against digital threats and manipulation.
Opened in:
2024
Director:
Michael Álvarez Kalverkamp
Contact:
Fundación Heinrich Böll
Lavalle 462
C1047AAJ Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires
Argentina
