The UN calls on the Peruvian authorities to respect human rights, including the right to peaceful protest

In a statement by the United Nations System in Peru, the agencies, funds and programs deeply regret the loss of human lives in the context of the social protests that are taking place in the country and express their deep concern about the increase in violence.

After offering its “heartfelt condolences to the families and communities of the deceased”, the UN urges the authorities and security forces to take urgent measures to ensure respect for human rights, including the right to peaceful protest.

It also asks to observe the standards and norms applicable to the use of weapons against protesters and “facilitate a peaceful and negotiated solution to the crisis”.

Refrain from violence at protests

“In the same way, we call on the people and social organizations that have been demonstrating to refrain from acts of violence and exercise the right to protest peacefully, respecting life and public and private property. We urge all parties to especially protect the rights of people in vulnerable situations, and to ensure that injured people receive medical care in a timely manner,” the statement read.

As the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights did yesterday, the UN system in Peru called for a diligent, independent, impartial and transparent investigation to clarify the allegations of human rights violations. .

In addition, the authorities of the country must “ensure justice for the cases of dead and injured people (including civilians, journalists, police and military) since the beginning of the mobilizations in various regions of the country in December 2022; and prevent these events from happening again.”

The UN Peru reiterated its commitment and willingness to support the country in mediating and generating dialogue and listening processes between the parties, as well as in monitoring compliance with international human rights standards, seeking to solve the crisis and resume the direction of development and well-being.

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights yesterday expressed concern 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.

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

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