IMA Global statement on the police raid of the office of Association of Migrant and Refugee Women (AMUMRA) in Argentina

The International Migrants Alliance (IMA) strongly condemns the raid on November 21, 2024, which occurred at AMUMRA (Association of Migrant and Refugee Women in Argentina), one of the IMA members based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The violence perpetrated by police officers ordered by the Minister of Justice under the administration of Javier Milei, should not happen to an organization of migrant and refugee women from various countries that has a mandate for social change in Argentina.

For 21 years, AMUMRA has dedicated itself as a nonprofit organization advocating for the rights of migrant and refugee women and their families. AMUMRA, which has gained local and international recognition, is involved in monitoring developments and participating in the approval of migration policy in Argentina, as well as the ratification of ILO Convention 189. AMUMRA has successfully carried out various activities using its resources, without assistance from the Argentine government.

The raid that occurred demonstrates how the administration of Javier Milei does not support the struggle of migrant and refugee women to get their rights in the host country and the movement of migrants and refugees in the country is increasingly restricted by the government. The violence and discrimination exhibited by the government limit the freedom of migrants and refugees to access the protection and rights they should receive.

The IMA condemns the actions of the Argentine government that restrict the activities of migrant and refugee advocates and calls on the Argentine government to respect the right to association as written in ILO Convention number 87. We express our support and solidarity for AMUMRA and all migrant and refugee communities around the world to keep organizing and continue fighting for migrants’ and refugees’ rights and protection.