Ei-iE

Thousands of workers, national and international trade unions, social, political and human rights organisations reaffirmed their commitment to Memory, Truth and Justice on the 50th anniversary of the civil-military coup in Argentina. A range of commemorative events were held, including round tables, panel discussions, meetings, and mass mobilisations.

Justice for the victims, punishment for the perpetrators

Fifty years since the civic-military coup of 1976, Argentina’s education unions held a series of events in partnership with their national union centres and with the support of Education International (EI).

An international event entitled “50 years on from the coup d’état: resisting the dictatorship of yesterday and the fascism of today” was organised by the CTA-T, CTA-A and CGT. EI affiliates in Argentina—CTERA, CEA and Conadu—took part in this event which was attended by around 300 participants from Argentina and 73 delegates representing unions from 18 other countries.

Panel discussions such as “50 years after Operation Condor” analysed the region-wide campaign of coordinated repression, its impact on Latin America and its ongoing legacy. A panel discussion on “The role of trade unionism in resisting the dictatorship and promoting the truth trials” highlighted the work of the labour movement in defending human rights, memory, democracy, and the pursuit of justice in the face of crimes against humanity.

A plenary of the Lanús Trade Union Movement (MSL) was also held, with the participation of Roberto Baradel, International Relations Secretary for the CTA-T and a member of the EI Executive Board.

A mass mobilisation was held in Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires. Protesters filled the streets carrying the flags that represent the 30,000 people, including 880 teachers, who were detained and disappeared. Protesters raised their voice to reaffirm: “Nunca Más” (Never Again!).

Reflecting on the context surrounding the march and the events, Sonia Alesso, General Secretary of CTERA and President of the Education International Latin America Regional Committee, spoke about the impact of President Javier Milei’s administration.

Alesso explained that education unions have seen a serious reversal in human rights policies that had been gained through years of struggle. She added that public policies essential to the pursuit of truth, memory, and justice are being dismantled, while crucial historical heritage such as memorial sites, including the former ESMA and other clandestine detention, torture, and extermination centres, are being destroyed by defunding and attempts to convert them into property ventures.

Public spaces dedicated to preserving historical memory were part of previous progressive governments’ efforts to involve the public in the justice proceedings against those responsible for the dictatorship and crimes against humanity. The EI-affiliated education unions in Argentina have long been part of these efforts, developing initiatives such as “I went to the trials with my teacher”.

Whilst a study published in 2026 by the University of Buenos Aires and the Centre for Legal and Social Studies shows that 70% of the population in Argentina condemns the military dictatorship, the remaining 30% suggests that public opinion is still divided and highlights the importance of keeping memory alive. This is all the more relevant at a time when the government supports those seeking to secure pardon and oblivion for defendants currently on trial and criminals already convicted.

International solidarity, national mobilisation

A delegation from Education International played an active role in the events, taking part in this historic mobilisation. EI General Secretary David Edwards marched side by side with national union leaders.

“Over the past 50 years, your resistance, your memory, and your struggle have been celebrated across the world. You have the solidarity and support of teachers and their unions from all around the globe. We know that you have learnt from history and that you will continue to teach it, continue to dream, and continue to resist. We are certain that you will win, and we will be with you every step of the way in this struggle,” Edwards said.

Education International reiterated its commitment to the efforts to preserve historical memory in Argentina. In a recent letter to UNESCO, David Edwards requested that the developments around the ESMA Museum and Memory Site be examined, that UNESCO work with the government to ensure that the proposed changes do not compromise the universal educational value of the museum and memory site, and that guidance or monitoring be provided to safeguard it for future generations.

Sonia Alesso underlined that every one of these sites and in particular ESMA where thousands were tortured, murdered, and disappeared, would be defended by CTERA and by human rights organisations in Argentina. “We will not allow our memory to be erased or history to be silenced,” Alesso concluded.