The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) recently issued a report criticizing Peru’s response to the anti-government protests that broke out in December 2022. These protests were largely in response to the government of Dina Boluarte, who assumed presidency after the vacancy of former president Pedro Castillo. The report includes calls for reforms to “ensure the exercise of human rights in the context of demonstrations, continue accountability efforts, & enable a decentralized & inclusive national dialogue.”
According to the OHCHR, these protests led to instances of violent clashes between protesters and police forces, resulting in numerous injuries and fatalities. The OHCHR report followed the office’s visits to several regions in Peru, wherein they interviewed over 280 individuals comprising victims, their relatives, and witnesses. Notably, more than half of the people interviewed identified as indigenous or agricultural workers—alluding to a link between the use of excessive force during protests and deep-rooted social and historical discrimination against Indigenous Peoples in Peru.
As documented in the report, a total of 61 civilian deaths were recorded, with 50 reportedly killed by law enforcement and the remaining 11 fatalities occurring amidst road blockades or due to lack of medical attention. The OHCHR additionally verified a total of 208 injuries sustained by police and military personnel during these protests.
Beyond casualty figures, the report takes into account incidents such as the abrupt entry of the police into San Marcos University in January, following the occupation by protesters and consequent complaint of a university representative. Avoiding pressing ‘aggravated usurpation’ charges against protesters, the report highlights these events as interconnected forms of discrimination and stigmatization.
In its conclusion, the OHCHR report calls for attention to be paid to a number of key areas: the use of force during protests, threats and stigmatization, media coverage of the social protests, accountability, and access to justice. Recommendations include fostering dialogue between victims, their families, and authorities in order to effect structural changes and reforms.
For further in-depth analysis, refer to the original article on JURIST – News.