Child Soldiers Global Report 2001 - Argentina
| Publisher | Child Soldiers International |
| Publication Date | 2001 |
| Cite as | Child Soldiers International, Child Soldiers Global Report 2001 - Argentina, 2001, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4988061628.html [accessed 27 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
ARGENTINE REPUBLIC
Mainly covers the period June 1998 to April 2001 as well as including some earlier information.
- Population:
– total: 36,577,000
– under-18s: 12,199,000 - Government armed forces:
– active: 71,100
– paramilitary: 31,240 - Compulsory recruitment age: No conscription
- Voluntary recruitment age: 18
- Voting age (government elections): 18
- Child soldiers: none indicated
- CRC-OP-CAC: signed on 15 June 2000; supports "straight-18" position
- Other treaties ratified: CRC; GC/API+II; ICC; ILO 138; ILO 182.
- There are no reports of under-18s in government armed forces. However when in force, conscription law permits the recruitment of 17-year-olds.
GOVERNMENT
National Recruitment Legislation
The law on voluntary military service, which entered into force on 5 January 1995, provides that military service is to be performed by volunteers (men or women), who must be between 18 and 24 years of age. The law further requires parental authorisation for recruits below 21 years of age.96 Pursuant to article 20, individuals may choose to perform an alternative social service on the grounds of "profound religious, philosophical or moral reasons".97
Article 19 permits the Government, with the approval of the National Congress, to reintroduce conscription in exceptional circumstances. If such a decision is taken Argentine citizens may be conscripted for a maximum of one year, beginning from the year of their 18th birthday, thus recruits may be 17. The previous Law on Compulsory Service would govern such recruitment.98
Military Training and Military Schools
Argentina has military schools with students below 18 years. According to officials, "[t]he last two years of military high school ... during which pupils generally reach the age of 16 include military instruction for pupils as part of the curriculum, but no provision is made for their participation in armed conflicts." Non-commissioned officers must be at least 16 to join training institutes, while commissioned officers must be at least 18. No provision is made for their participation in armed conflict.99
DEVELOPMENTS
International Standards
Argentina signed the CRC-OP-CAC on 15 June 2000 and supports a "straight-18" position.
96 Law No.24.429 Servicio Militar Voluntario.
97 Article 20 et sec. of Law No.24.429.
98 Law No.17.531.
99 UN Doc. E/CN.4/1999/WG.13/2/Add.1, 8/1298.
