A coalition of social organizations, unions, medical guilds and families in Argentina filed today a formal complaint against President Javier Milei, accusing him of abandonment of persons with disabilities.

In an unprecedented move, the Argentinean far-right President Javier Milei faces charges in court for abandonment of a person, failure to fulfill state duties and abuse of authority.

These significant legal actions were spearheaded by unions and workers from the renowned Garrahan Hospital, a leading pediatric facility, who vehemently denounce what they describe as a “brutal adjustment” impacting essential medications, treatments, and pensions for persons with disabilities. Their allegations highlight a systemic dismantling of support structures that have historically been in place to protect the most vulnerable members of society.

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The legal action stems from a proposed Government reform project that aims to severely cut social assistance, sparking widespread outrage and concern across the country. Critics argue that this initiative, which the Executive Power claims is a measure “against fraud”, is in reality a direct offensive designed to drastically reduce pensions and other forms of state aid crucial for vulnerable populations.

Furthermore, various disability collectives and affected families, represented by lawyer Javier Garín, contend that the Government is implementing a “painful, deliberate, and systematic policy” aimed at stripping away critical benefits from those who rely on them most. This legal challenge underscores the gravity of the situation, with plaintiffs arguing that the proposed reforms are not merely budgetary adjustments but rather a targeted attack on the fundamental rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.

Text reads: “Milei’s criminal Government sent a bill to Congress to finish destroying the few remaining benefits for people with disabilities. An absolutely cruel project that takes resources away from those who most need it so that corrupt officials have more funds available and can continue to enrich themselves. All of this is already unsustainable. This rubbish regime can no longer govern.”

The current social assistance regulations, which were approved by Congress in last September of the previous year after a presidential veto was rejected, have never been implemented by the Executive Power. This prolonged lack of application significantly exacerbates the precarious situation of a sector that already confronts substantial challenges in accessing its legally established rights. The Government’s failure to enact the approved legislation, coupled with the introduction of new reform projects, creates a climate of profound uncertainty and hardship for persons with disabilities and their families, forcing them to navigate a bureaucratic and economic landscape that actively undermines their well-being.

Protests Planned

The severity of the situation has prompted strong reactions from public figures and advocacy groups. Families are making urgent appeals to legislators, demanding the immediate rejection of the reform project that seeks to rigorously redefine access to the pension system. Their collective voice emphasizes the critical need for political will to protect existing social safety nets rather than dismantling them under the guise of fiscal austerity.

In response to the deepening crisis, numerous organizations have issued a call for a nationwide mobilization. This significant protest is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, April 22, at 11:00 A.M. local time, directly in front of the Ministry of Health headquarters.

The primary objective of this mobilization is to forcefully demand the protection of acquired rights and an immediate cessation of all proposed budgetary cuts within the disability sector. The organizers hope that a large turnout will send an unequivocal message to the Milei administration, highlighting the widespread opposition to its policies and advocating for a more compassionate and inclusive approach to social welfare.

The unfolding crisis in Argentina’s disability sector serves as a poignant example of the social costs associated with radical fiscal adjustments and calls into question the ethical implications of government actions that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.

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