Disputes – international

Argentina continues to assert its claims to the UK-administered Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands in its constitution, forcibly occupying the Falklands in 1982, but in 1995 agreed no longer to seek settlement by force; territorial claim in Antarctica partially overlaps UK and Chilean claims; unruly region at convergence of Argentina-Brazil-Paraguay borders is locus of money laundering, smuggling, arms and illegal narcotics trafficking, and fundraising for extremist organisations; uncontested dispute between Brazil and Uruguay over Braziliera/ Brasiliera Island in the Quarai/ Cuareim River leaves the tripoint with Argentina in question In January 2007, ICJ provisionally ruled Uruguay may begin construction of two paper mills on the Uruguay River, which forms the border with Argentina, while the court examines further whether Argentina has the legal right to stop such construction with potential environmental implications to both countries. The joint boundary commission, established by Chile and Argentina in 2001 has yet to map and demarcate the delimited boundary in the inhospitable Andean Southern Ice Field (Campo de Hielo Sur).

Trafficking in persons

Argentina is primarily a destination country for women and children trafficked for sexual and labour exploitation with most victims trafficked internally, from rural to urban areas, for exploitation in prostitution. Foreign women and children trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation come primarily from Paraguay, but also from Bolivia, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Colombia and Chile. Bolivians are trafficked for forced labour; Argentine women and girls are also trafficked to neighbouring countries for sexual exploitation.

Illicit drugs

Argentina is used as a transshipment country for cocaine headed for Europe. There is some money-laundering activity, especially in the Tri-Border Area. The domestic consumption of drugs in urban centres is increasing.