Human Rights Watch (HRW) issued a statement on Monday calling on the Argentine government to refrain from appointing Supreme Court justices through presidential decree. HRW emphasized that judicial appointments should prioritize candidates’ qualifications, experience, diversity, and integrity to uphold the judiciary’s independence and impartiality.

The organization’s appeal comes amidst heightened scrutiny of Argentina’s judicial system and concerns over potential executive overreach. HRW underscored the critical importance of adhering to transparent, merit-based nomination processes, warning that appointments made unilaterally by the president could undermine public confidence in the judiciary’s ability to function as an impartial arbiter of justice.

Argentina’s constitution provides a framework for Supreme Court appointments, requiring candidates to be nominated by the president and approved by the Senate. This system ensures that judicial selections are subject to checks and balances, fostering accountability and adherence to the rule of law. However, HRW argues that the use of presidential decrees to bypass the Senate undermines this democratic safeguard, raising concerns about politicization and potential conflicts of interest.

HRW’s statement further highlighted the judiciary’s role as a cornerstone of democracy, calling on Argentina’s government to prioritize diversity and inclusivity in its nominations. The organization noted that ensuring representation across gender, ethnic, and socioeconomic lines could strengthen judicial institutions’ legitimacy and public trust. Currently, women constitute 45,8 percent of Argentina’s Senate, while none of the justices on the Supreme Court is a woman, underscoring the need for greater gender representation at the highest levels of the judiciary.

Observers have pointed to recent controversies within Argentina’s judiciary as evidence of the system’s challenges. Allegations of politicization and insufficient transparency have fueled public discontent and calls for reform. HRW’s statement addresses these concerns by advocating for a judicial appointment process that prioritizes impartiality and adherence to democratic principles.

HRW concluded by urging Argentina’s government to foster meaningful public consultation and legislative collaboration in the judicial selection process. The organization emphasized that prioritizing merit, integrity, and diversity in Supreme Court appointments is essential for preserving judicial independence and upholding the principles of democracy and human rights.