12th mai 2026

Considerations on Argentina’s Bill S-0228/2025 on “False Reports” and Gender-Based Violence

End sexual violence Argentina

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A coalition of Argentine and international civil society organizations, including Equality Now, published a joint analysis opposing Bill S-0228/2025, which proposes harsher penalties for alleged “false reports” in cases involving gender-based violence, sexual violence, and crimes against children. The organizations argue that the proposal reinforces harmful stereotypes, increases barriers to justice, and contradicts international human rights standards, including recommendations issued by the CEDAW Committee and the MESECVI Follow-up Mechanism to the Belém do Pará Convention. The document also highlights evidence showing that false reports are statistically insignificant, while underreporting of gender-based violence remains widespread.

What’s inside the policy brief?

  • Analysis of the proposed amendments to Articles 245, 275, and 277 of Argentina’s Criminal Code.
  • Evidence and statistics demonstrating the low prevalence of false reports compared to widespread underreporting of gender-based violence.
  • Legal analysis of the proposal’s incompatibility with international human rights obligations and due diligence standards.
  • Examination of barriers women, girls, and survivors of sexual violence already face when accessing justice.
  • Recommendations urging lawmakers to reject the bill and strengthen survivor-centered justice mechanisms instead.

Who’s it for?

  • Legislators and public officials in Argentina.
  • Journalists and media professionals covering gender justice and legal reform.
  • Civil society organizations and feminist movements.
  • Lawyers, prosecutors, judges, and justice system actors.
  • International human rights bodies and advocates working on violence against women and girls.

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Key takeaways and recommendations

  • Reject Bill S-0228/2025 and avoid introducing criminal law reforms that could discourage survivors of gender-based violence and sexual abuse from reporting crimes.
  • Ensure that public policy responses are grounded in evidence. Existing data shows that false reports are extremely rare, while impunity and underreporting remain major concerns.
  • Strengthen access to justice mechanisms for women, girls, and children, including legal aid, psychosocial support, and survivor-centered protection systems.
  • Avoid reinforcing harmful gender stereotypes that portray women and survivors as manipulative or dishonest.
  • Comply with Argentina’s international obligations under CEDAW and the Belém do Pará Convention, including recent recommendations calling on the State to withdraw the proposed reform.
  • Prioritize measures that improve the efficiency and responsiveness of the justice system, rather than increasing risks and barriers for survivors seeking protection.

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12 mai 2026

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End sexual violence
Argentina

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For more information, contact programs@equalitynow.org.

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