Argentina land disputes involve criminal charges and indigenous rights

Argentina is facing distinct land conflicts involving allegations of illegal occupation and disputes over indigenous rights. In Concepción, prosecutors have formally charged a group of individuals for the coordinated usurpation of rural properties. The group allegedly took advantage of the judicial recess to enter large estates, destroy sugarcane crops using machetes and shovels, and install makeshift shelters to claim the land.

In Misiones, a separate legal battle has emerged in Garuhapé regarding the Mbya Puente Quemado II community. A judge ordered the eviction of indigenous families from land held by forestry businessman Alfredo Ruff. The Equipo Misionero de Pastoral Aborigen (EMIPA) has criticized the classification of the community as ‘usurpers,’ arguing that the state’s failure to complete community land titling creates a conflict between the constitutional right to private property and the pre-existing rights of indigenous peoples.