A group of United Nations experts called on Monday for an end to the violence in Peru, expressing concern about reports of repression, arbitrary killings, arrests and detentions, and encouraging the Peruvian authorities to establish a “genuine dialogue with the people.” .
Peru has been the scene in recent months of a wave of anti-government protests, with the registration of several fatalities.
“In any democratic society, people have the right to protest and express their concerns about political changes that affect their lives and livelihoods,” said the experts, quoted by international organizations.
The same specialists considered that the aspirations of the protesters in Peru must take into account the dialogue that can take place to put an end to the protests in the country.
The UN group of experts released the latest report from the Peruvian Ombudsman’s Office, which records 48 deaths and 1,301 injuries in the country since the protests began in December, after the removal of former President Pedro Castillo for trying to close the Congress. and rule by decree before elections for a Constituent Assembly are called.
Castillo was replaced by then Vice President Dina Boluarte, whose resignation has been demanded by protesters.
At least 11 other people lost their lives as a result of the road blockade, which was another form of protest.
A policeman was also killed inside his car by protesters, who set the vehicle on fire.
United Nations rapporteurs have warned that an “initially legal” detention could end in forced disappearance if the authorities do not provide details on the situation of the detainees.
In this sense, they asked the Government of Peru to guarantee “comprehensive, prompt, effective and independent” investigations of the alleged human rights violations in the course of the military and police repression of the protests.
Among the experts who signed this statement are Clément N. Voule, UN Rapporteur on the right to peaceful assembly and association, Morris Tidball-Binz, Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions, and members of the Working Group on Enforced Disappearances or involuntary.
UN Rapporteurs work independently of the organization and their views do not represent those of the United Nations.
Protesters in Peru are demanding the release of Castillo, the resignation of Dina Boluarte, early elections, the dissolution of parliament and the calling of a Constituent Assembly.
Despite a lull in the protests, several observers admit a short-term return to popular mobilizations.
The political crisis that is shaking Peru is also a reflection of the enormous gap between the capital and the poor provinces that support Castillo, of Amerindian origin, who was never accepted in the Presidential Palace by the capital’s elite and oligarchy, and by the main media. ‘ owned by millionaire businessmen.
In a report released at the end of February, Amnesty International (AI) denounced Peru’s “violent state repression” against anti-government protests in the country and the “indiscriminate use of lethal weapons” against protesters, as well as arbitrary arrests and other violations. . of human rights, including alleged extrajudicial executions.
Source: TSF
