Global criticism follows Argentina’s rejection of UN gender violence resolution

The controversial vote has provoked a wave of criticism across Argentina’s political spectrum, underscoring the polarising impact of President Javier Milei’s administration.

Known for his far-right ideology, Milei has implemented radical foreign policy changes since taking office nearly a year ago, with his latest move described as a “disgrace” by Martín Lousteau, a senator from the centrist Unión Cívica Radical party. “By fighting imaginary cultural battles, we end up isolated from the world,” Lousteau added.

The resolution, which received overwhelming global support, follows a pattern of international controversies involving Argentina under Milei. Last month, Argentina was the only G20 nation to oppose including language on gender equality in a joint declaration.

Domestically, Milei has dissolved Argentina’s ministries of women and the environment and eliminated the national anti-discrimination institute, aligning with his libertarian stance and scepticism of “woke” policies, as reported by AP.

Guillermo Francos, a top government official, defended the UN vote, asserting that “neither commitments nor treaties will solve the issue of gender violence.” However, opponents argue that Milei’s cultural crusades are undoing decades of social progress, including Argentina’s legalisation of abortion in 2020. Prominent Peronist politician Mayra Mendoza declared on Friday, “For you, freedom is violence.”

Milei’s increasingly combative stance on global cooperation has extended beyond gender issues. Earlier this week, he abruptly withdrew Argentina’s negotiators from the UN climate summit in Azerbaijan, stirring fears of a possible withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Milei, who has dismissed climate change as a “socialist lie,” has pledged to reshape Argentina’s foreign policy by rejecting multilateral treaties that he claims limit national sovereignty.

The president’s alignment with right-wing figures, including US President-elect Donald Trump, has become a cornerstone of his administration. On Thursday, Milei met Trump informally at a gala hosted by the America First Policy Institute in Florida, releasing photographs with Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk. Both Milei and Musk share outspoken disdain for “wokeness,” socialism, and what they see as overreach by international organisations.

Milei’s sudden dismissal of Foreign Minister Diana Mondino has sparked concerns over his unpredictable approach to diplomacy. Mondino, known for her diplomatic prowess in mending strained relations, was replaced by businessman Gerardo Werthein after Argentina voted to end the US embargo against Cuba – a move Milei strongly opposed.

This change in leadership has led to the resignation of at least seven senior diplomats who resisted the government’s drastic policy shifts. Critics, particularly within the left-leaning Peronist movement, argue that Milei’s actions are damaging Argentina’s international reputation and undermining progress on crucial issues like gender equality and climate action.

By rejecting the UN’s “Pact for the Future,” which champions climate responsibility and gender empowerment, Milei has made it clear that he intends to challenge the existing liberal, rules-based international order.

As Argentina’s foreign policy becomes increasingly isolated, domestic and global observers are bracing for further upheaval under the country’s most right-wing leader in over four decades of democracy.

(with inputs from Associated Press)

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