The Memory of the World Programme Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean (MoWLAC) has been made aware, through different channels, of the events surrounding the XV International Seminar on the Politics of Memory, "Reflections, Archives, and Testimonies: 40 Years since Nunca Más (never again)," held on 16, 18 and 19 October 2024, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. 

On October 16, the opening day of the seminar, Argentine authorities prohibited the event and barred workers of the Haroldo Conti Cultural Memory Center from participating, even outside of their official working hours. 

While the seminar was ultimately able to proceed thanks to the efforts of civil society organizations that hosted it, MoWLAC is deeply concerned by the actions taken by the Argentine authorities. 

Firstly, this raises serious concerns due to the fundamental respect for freedom of expression, particularly in relation to an event commemorating the 40th anniversary of the CONADEP Archives. These archives consist of documents of immense historical and legal value, recognized both in the Memory of the World Register for Latin America and the Caribbean, and UNESCO's International Memory of the World Register (inscribed in 2006 and 2007, respectively).

Secondly, the relocation of the seminar and the prohibition of using any buildings under the Secretariat of Human Rights, located on the former ESMA premises—including the National Memory Archive and the ESMA Memory Site Museum, the latter declared a World Heritage Site in 2023—is highly troubling. 

The Committee expresses deep concern over these developments and underscores the critical importance of preserving, promoting, and ensuring access to documentary and bibliographic heritage, as well as the collective memory of humanity. These elements are crucial in advancing more just, peaceful, and democratic societies.