For over four decades, I, Nora Cortiñas, have walked the Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Every Thursday, rain or shine, I join the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo, a group of women united by a singular purpose: to find our children, the desaparecidos, those who vanished during Argentina’s brutal Dirty War.

This fight for truth and justice has become the core of my life. It’s a fight not just for our children, but for all victims of state violence and human rights abuses. It’s a fight for a future where love and respect for human life prevail.

The Disappearances and the Birth of the Mothers

The Dirty War, a period of state-sponsored violence from 1976 to 1983, cast a dark shadow over Argentina. Thousands of people, suspected of being leftists or dissidents, were abducted, tortured, and murdered by the military regime. Their bodies were never found, leaving their families with an agonizing limbo – the constant question of what happened, where are they?

In 1977, my son Gustavo, a young political activist, was disappeared. It was a time of immense fear and desperation. But instead of succumbing to despair, I, along with other mothers who had suffered the same fate, decided to fight back.

We started gathering in the Plaza de Mayo, the central square of Buenos Aires, every Thursday. We wore white headscarves, a symbol of mourning, and demanded answers from the authorities. We became a powerful symbol of resistance, a beacon of hope for those seeking truth and justice.

The Power of Non-Violent Resistance

Our resistance was fueled by love for our children and a deep-seated belief in justice. We chose non-violence as our weapon. We marched in silence, holding pictures of our disappeared loved ones. We spoke with unwavering determination, challenging the silence and demanding accountability.

The journey wasn’t easy. We faced threats, intimidation, and even further disappearances. But we persevered, fueled by the unyielding hope of finding our children and the need to expose the atrocities committed by the regime.

The Fight Goes On: Beyond the Dirty War

The Dirty War ended in 1983, but the fight for justice continues. Many perpetrators have not been brought to justice. More importantly, the wounds inflicted on our nation run deep. We are still grappling with the legacy of the dictatorship.

The Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo have expanded our mission. We continue to fight for the prosecution of those responsible for the disappearances. But we also advocate for the rights of all victims of human rights abuses, from domestic violence to police brutality. We work with youth groups, promoting social justice and human rights education.

A Legacy of Persistence and Hope

Looking back, I am filled with a profound sense of pride in what the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo have achieved. We brought international attention to the atrocities committed in Argentina. We played a crucial role in holding the perpetrators accountable.

However, the search for our children continues. Although some families have found closure, many of us still live with the agonizing uncertainty of not knowing what happened to our loved ones.

Despite the pain, there is also hope. The Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo have become a symbol of hope not just in Argentina, but around the world. We inspire others to fight for justice, to speak truth to power, and to never give up on their loved ones.

A Call to Action

The fight for human rights is a never-ending struggle. Violence and injustice continue to plague many parts of the world. Here are a few things we can all do to make a difference:

• Raise your voice: Speak out against injustice, wherever it may occur. Support human rights organizations.
• Educate yourself and others: Learn about human rights abuses and the struggles of others.
• Empower others: Support organizations working to promote human rights education and awareness.
• Demand accountability: Hold your governments and institutions accountable for upholding human rights standards.

Together, we can create a world where the disappearances become a grim memory, a world where respect for human rights prevails.

In solidarity,

Nora Cortiñas