Hijos por la Identidad y la Justicia contra el Olvido y el Silencio (Children for Identity and Justice Against Forgetfulness and Silence, or H.I.J.O.S.) organizes targeted demonstrations in front of the homes of people identified as human rights abusers. These demonstrations, called escraches (“unmaskings”), publicly expose these individuals, allowing communities to voice their moral condemnation.
Community Involvement and Preparation
Most members of H.I.J.O.S. are children of the disappeared. They begin each escrache by first identifying a person responsible for repression under Argentina’s military government (1976–1983). Then, the process starts with a pre-escrache, where members reach out to local unions, libraries, and social organizations in the neighborhood where the perpetrator lives. They also distribute pamphlets and hold informal lectures in community spaces and schools. The purpose of the pre-escrache is to build community involvement, which is essential for the tactic’s success.
Execution of the Escrache
On the day of the escrache, protesters gather at a public place near the target’s home. They deliver speeches condemning the individual and outlining their crimes. Additionally, pamphlets with the person’s photo, name, address, phone number, and biography are posted on walls. Depending on the situation, other actions may also be taken. A variant called the escrache-movil is a mobile demonstration that targets multiple perpetrators within a neighborhood.
Legal Representation and Community Impact
H.I.J.O.S. has legal representation to help resolve potential conflicts with the police or counter-demonstrators. However, they focus on involving as many people as possible to accomplish their goal peacefully.
After the escrache, the response from the community often determines the tactic’s lasting impact. In some cases, the neighborhood reacts strongly; for example, shops may close or bars may empty when an identified abuser enters. Consequently, some perpetrators, faced with this social rejection, have been forced to move away from their homes.
When perpetrators of abuse are granted impunity, they may live anonymously—often among their victims. In Argentina, the group H.I.J.O.S. decided that, even without legal prosecution, these individuals could be “unmasked” to the public. Despite amnesty laws that shield some perpetrators, H.I.J.O.S. bypasses formal systems to foster social ostracism, using humor, theater, and creative demonstrations as tools. However, this tactic carries risks. Activists must ensure they target the correct individuals and avoid other political agendas. Organizers also need safeguards to prevent violence, as some community members may resent these disruptions.
New Tactics in Human Rights does not advocate for or endorse specific tactics, policies or issues.
