Buenos Aires, Argentina – In a landmark case highlighting the enduring trauma of ArgentinaS “Dirty War,” a woman identified only as “Abuela” (Grandmother) has recounted her decades-long search for her granddaughter, Claudia, stolen as an infant during the military dictatorship. The reunion,facilitated by the tireless work of the Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo association,underscores the ongoing struggle to uncover the truth about the approximately 300 children still missing from that era.
From 1976 to 1983, Argentina was ruled by a military junta responsible for widespread human rights abuses, including the systematic kidnapping, torture, and murder of political opponents. An estimated 30,000 people “disappeared” during this period. A particularly cruel tactic employed by the regime was the theft of babies born to imprisoned dissidents, who where then illegally adopted to families sympathetic to the military government. The Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo, founded in 1977, emerged as a powerful force dedicated to locating these stolen children and reuniting them with thier biological families.
The Abuela’s story began with the abduction of her son and daughter-in-law, whose identities remain protected for privacy reasons. following their disappearance in 1978, suspicions arose regarding the fate of their newborn daughter, Claudia. A judicial investigation revealed that Claudia had been taken to “El Olimpo,” a clandestine detention center operated by the military in Buenos Aires province. There, she was held for three days before being illegally adopted by a military family. The adoption was formalized through a falsified birth certificate signed by a military doctor, effectively erasing Claudia’s true identity.
“Claudia was in my heart every day,” the Abuela shared. “When I found her, it was a pure, overwhelming joy, but also fear. She was 21, raised by another family. I couldn’t just invade her life.” The reunion unfolded gradually, over shared afternoons drinking mate, a traditional South American beverage, allowing Claudia to process the shocking truth about her origins and build trust with her biological grandmother.
The Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo, initially a large group, has dwindled to just two active members: Estela de Carlotto, the current president, and the Abuela recounting her story. The association has successfully located 140 stolen grandchildren, with the 140th reunion occurring in July 2023. Though, the organization estimates that nearly 300 children remain missing, and the passage of time presents a significant challenge, as many founding members have passed away. The group continues to rely on DNA testing, conducted at the banco Nacional de Datos genéticos (National Genetic Data Bank) established in 1999, to identify missing individuals and facilitate reunions.
The Abuela emphasized the importance of the younger generation continuing the search. “We have found 140, but nearly 300 are still missing,” she stated. “This is the legacy Estela de Carlotto and I leave behind: a generation of grandchildren still looking for the others.” Despite her age – 87 – she remains resolute in her commitment to finding her son and daughter-in-law, and to supporting the ongoing efforts of the Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo.
As told to Harriet Barber
