Nunca más

Definition

The phrase 'nunca más', which translates to 'never again', is a powerful slogan that emerged in Latin America as a response to human rights violations and state terrorism, particularly during the Dirty War in Argentina. It symbolizes a commitment to ensuring that the atrocities of the past are never repeated and highlights the importance of remembrance, justice, and accountability in the face of systematic abuses by state authorities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Nunca más' became widely recognized after the publication of the 1984 report by Argentina's Truth Commission, which documented widespread human rights abuses during the Dirty War.
2. The slogan represents a collective promise from survivors, families of victims, and human rights activists to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
3. In Argentina, the term has been used to advocate for ongoing legal actions against former military leaders involved in state-sponsored violence.
4. 'Nunca más' has inspired similar movements across Latin America, influencing calls for justice in countries like Chile and Guatemala, where similar atrocities occurred.
5. The phrase is now an integral part of memorials and campaigns focused on preserving the memory of victims of state violence and promoting a culture of human rights.

Review Questions

• How did the phrase 'nunca más' emerge as a significant response to human rights violations in Latin America?
  • 'Nunca más' emerged as a significant response to human rights violations following the Dirty War in Argentina, where state terrorism led to thousands of disappearances. The slogan encapsulates the collective demand for justice and accountability from survivors and human rights activists. It gained prominence with the release of the Truth Commission's report, which documented these abuses and solidified the commitment to ensure such atrocities would never happen again.
• Discuss the role of Truth Commissions in relation to the 'nunca más' movement and their impact on societal healing in post-dictatorship contexts.
  • Truth Commissions play a crucial role in the 'nunca más' movement by investigating past human rights violations and providing an official account of abuses. They aim to foster societal healing by acknowledging the suffering endured by victims and their families. In post-dictatorship contexts, these commissions serve not only to document injustices but also to recommend reparations and promote reforms that prevent future violations, creating a framework for lasting change.
• Evaluate the lasting significance of 'nunca más' in contemporary human rights advocacy within Latin America and its influence on global movements.
  • 'Nunca más' holds lasting significance in contemporary human rights advocacy as it continues to inspire movements against state violence and impunity throughout Latin America. Its principles have influenced various global movements advocating for justice, equality, and accountability in situations of oppression. By serving as a reminder of past atrocities, 'nunca más' empowers new generations to challenge injustices and work towards creating societies that uphold human rights standards.

Related terms

Dirty War:

A period of state terrorism in Argentina from the late 1970s to early 1980s, where the government targeted suspected dissidents, resulting in thousands of forced disappearances.

Truth Commission: An official body established to investigate human rights violations and provide a historical account of state terrorism, aiming to promote reconciliation and justice.

Human Rights Watch:

An international non-governmental organization that conducts research and advocacy on human rights issues around the world, including documenting abuses in Latin America.