Political Restructuring and Workplace Dynamics
In a significant move towards addressing internal disputes within the human rights sector, the government has taken steps to unify two secretariats under the leadership of Iliana Da Silva, following a series of controversies that marred the functioning of these bodies. This restructuring comes in the wake of allegations of workplace harassment against Alejandra Casablanca, the former head of the Secretariat for Recent Past Human Rights, and Collette Spinetti, who previously led the Human Rights Secretariat. The government’s initiative aims to alleviate tensions and foster a healthier work environment.
As part of this political and institutional resolution, both Casablanca and Spinetti were removed from their positions, with Casablanca retaining a role as an advisor, albeit under controversial circumstances. Allegations against her, which surfaced in November 2025, included claims of violence and harassment directed towards several staff members, including attorney Juan Pablo Dos Santos. The unfolding situation led to a barrage of reciprocal accusations among the staff members, particularly between those who were part of the existing team and newer additions brought in by Casablanca. This division was exacerbated by changes in work protocols, including a shift from telecommuting, which many found challenging to navigate.
Allegations and Counterclaims
Reports from El País reveal that testimonies collected during the investigation pointed to specific incidents that raised serious concerns about Casablanca's conduct. Witnesses reported derogatory remarks involving members of the Movimiento de Participación Popular and even about the late former president José Mujica, which were deemed in poor taste. Additional allegations involved inappropriate comments regarding the experiences of minors during the dictatorship, suggesting the potential for severe trauma that could have led to abductions and violence.
However, the testimonies were not uniform; some witnesses denied the occurrence of these events, while others expressed discomfort with the circumstances they encountered. Descriptions of Casablanca’s volatile temperament and the resulting hostile work environment were commonplace, with reports of outbursts and a culture of intimidation that permeated the office. Witnesses pointed to a climate where perceived favoritism and personal conflicts further complicated the already sensitive dynamics.
In stark contrast, those testifying on behalf of Casablanca refuted the allegations, asserting that many of the claims made by the complainants were baseless and indicative of pre-existing tensions rather than genuine misconduct. They accused some complainants of engaging in gossip and fostering division among colleagues, thereby creating an atmosphere of fear and mistrust within the workplace.
The investigation also revealed that the issues had reached a critical point, prompting the Servicio de Prevención y Salud en el Trabajo (SPST) to intervene. Their findings indicated a deeply entrenched culture of normalized violence within the workplace, highlighting the need for a complete overhaul of the team to address the fragmentation and lack of cohesion that had developed. The SPST’s report emphasized the rigidity of team members' positions, which hindered collaborative efforts and the achievement of common goals.
Ultimately, President Yamandú Orsi issued a decree in July to merge the two human rights secretariats, effectively closing the investigation into the allegations against Casablanca. She was subsequently appointed as an advisor to Da Silva, although she no longer held any personnel oversight. This move has been viewed as a necessary step towards healing the divisions within the institution and restoring a sense of normalcy in the realm of human rights advocacy.
As reported by elpais.com.uy.
