Peru: UN asks to investigate deaths during protests

“We are very concerned about the increase in violence in Peru, which on Monday, January 9, experienced one of the deadliest days since the riots began in early December,” said the spokeswoman for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on Tuesday. Human Rights, Marta Hurtado.

According to official reports handled by the Office, at least 17 people died yesterdayr -including a minor- in the town of Juliaca, in the southern region of Puno.

This Tuesday a police officer died when his vehicle was set on fire. According to hospital sources, at least nine people were killed by firearms this Monday and a health worker died while providing aid.

“In addition to those killed in the protests, a newborn died while being taken to hospital because the ambulance was stopped at a road block. Meanwhile, the Juliaca airport was allegedly assaulted by some 5,000 protesters, and various public buildings and infrastructure were destroyed in recent weeks. Police officers were also injured,” the spokeswoman listed.

The total number of deaths since December 7 amounts to 39 people, to which must be added 518 injured in clashes with the police and the armed forces.

“We urge the authorities to carry out prompt, impartial and effective investigations into the dead and injuredand that victims be guaranteed access to justice and reparation,” Hurtado requested.

The UN calls for containment before the next national strike

On the eve of a national strike scheduled for the next few days, the Office asked the protesters “to show restraint in the exercise of their fundamental right to protest peacefully.”

At the same time, Hurtado reiterated his call “for the security forces to comply with human rights standards and guarantee that force is only used when strictly necessary and, in such case, fully respecting the principles of legality, precaution and proportionality”.

The spokeswoman recalled the need to “respect and protect the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, since they are essential characteristics of democratic life.”

Lastly, he took note of the sending of a high-level government mission to Puno and the call for a national dialogue platform.

“Is It is essential that any negotiation include all interested parties, especially to protest movements.”