The killing of three trans women in Argentina in the past month must trigger authorities into taking more robust action to protect one of the most marginalized communities in the country, said Amnesty International.
Last night, Amancay Diana Sacayán, a renowed activist for the rights of lesbians, gays, bisexual and transgender people (LGBTI) was found dead in her flat in Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires. Her body had signs of violence. A month ago, Marcela Chocobar and Coty Olmos, two trans women and leaders of LGBTI organizations, were also violently killed in the provinces of Santa Fe and Santa Cruz.
“A dark cloud has set over Argentina’s trans community. Unless this latest wave of murders is effectively investigated and those responsible taken to justice, a message will be sent that attacking trans women is actually ok,” said Mariela Belski, Executive Director at Amnesty International Argentina.
“Argentina must not allow this wave of violence to continue. Setting up a database to document gender crimes and developing strong mechanisms to investigate and punish gender violence would be good and long awaited first steps.”