The heavy legacy of the children of Argentinian genocidaires
History can sometimes leave deep scars, and this is the case for the children of Argentinian genocidaires. During the dictatorship that took place in Argentina between 1976 and 1983, many police officers and soldiers committed crimes against humanity. Today, their children, now adults, are trying to find their place in society by revealing the terrible secret that haunts them.
Growing up in a family where violence and terror were commonplace, these children lived in shame and silence for a long time. But with the opening of trials for crimes against humanity, they decided to break this silence and speak out. They grouped together under the name “children of genocidaires” and undertook a long journey to rebuild themselves.
Discovering the truth about their fathers was a shock for these children. How can we accept that the man they loved and respected is responsible for torture, rape and even murder? How can we find our place alongside the children of the victims, who also suffered from the atrocities of the dictatorship?
The path to reconciliation with their past is long and difficult. Some choose to actively engage against Holocaust denial by making their voices heard and denouncing the crimes committed by their fathers. Others find salvation in psychoanalysis, seeking to understand the reasons behind their parents’ actions. Still others choose to express themselves through writing or art, hoping that it can help heal their wounds.
In a country where disappearances under the dictatorship are still taboo, the approach of these children is courageous. They decided to place themselves on the side of memory, truth and justice, in order to build a better future for their country. Their testimonies help show that resilience is possible, even in the face of such a heavy legacy.
In conclusion, the approach of the children of Argentinian genocidaires is exemplary. They managed to emerge from the shadows to break the silence that suffocated them, hoping to contribute to the construction of a fairer and more humane society. Their journey shows that even in the most difficult situations, it is possible to choose the path of reconciliation and healing.