President Alberto Fernández of Argentina commended ambassador María del Carmen Losardo for her tireless work in preserving the memory of Argentina’s dark past during a meeting held on October 4, 2023. The discussion revolved around the recent recognition of the ESMA Site Museum as a World Heritage site by UNESCO, demonstrating the country’s commitment to truth and remembrance.
The official Twitter account of President Alberto Fernández (@alferdez) shared his gratitude towards Ambassador María del Carmen Losardo (@mmlosardo) for her exceptional efforts. The meeting touched upon the recent achievement where the ESMA Site Museum was officially declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. The historical significance of this recognition is not lost on President Fernández, as it serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging and preserving the memory of Argentina’s troubled past.
The ESMA Site Museum, located in Buenos Aires, is a former detention center and torture site used during Argentina’s military dictatorship from 1976 to 1983. The museum stands as a symbol of remembrance for the approximately 30,000 individuals who disappeared during the dark era of state terrorism.
President Fernández expressed his commitment to strengthening collective memory, especially in the face of negationist voices. The President acknowledged that denying the atrocities committed during the military dictatorship would only perpetuate the pain and hinder the healing process. Through initiatives such as the declaration of the ESMA Site Museum as a World Heritage site, Argentina reasserts its dedication to preserving historical truth and ensuring that the lessons learned from the past are never forgotten.
As the meeting concluded, President Fernández emphasized the importance of the hashtag #NuncaMás, which translates to “Never Again,” highlighting the vow to prevent the recurrence of such human rights violations. By acknowledging the existence of 30,000 disappeared individuals, the President sends a powerful message – a reminder that their memory will endure as a testament to the ongoing pursuit of justice and human rights in Argentina. (*)