UN experts call for an end to violence during demonstrations in Peru
Protests have been ongoing in Peru since 2018, and during that time the United Nations has expressed concern over the country’s human rights record on multiple occasions. The latest call to action came on 9 June 2020, when five United Nations human rights experts urged the Government of Peru to end the violence against peaceful demonstrators. Peruvian authorities have employed what the experts deem as disproportionate use of force and overly restrictive measures in an effort to disperse the protesters.
Background on the Crisis in Peru
The crisis in Peru began in 2018, when President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski stepped down amid corruption allegations, leaving Vice President Martin Alberto Vizcarra as interim president. In March 2020, Vizcarra dissolved congress and announced a sweeping package of reforms which included ending the political influence of prior regime members. His decision set off a wave of anti-government protests, and the Peruvian government responded by deploying the military to cities around the country.
On 1 June 2021, a second motion of no confidence against Vizcarra was brought forward in Congress, leading to demonstrations against the proposed ousting of President Vizcarra. In response, the government declared a state of emergency and imposed a 30-day curfew. This sparked even more protests, leading to confrontations between protestors and security forces and resulting in at least two deaths and dozens of injuries.
UN Experts’ Call for an End to Violence
The United Nations’ High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, expressed her grave concern over the situation in Peru and condemned the use of excessive force by security forces. Five UN human rights experts also released a joint statement on 9 June, calling for an end to the violence against peaceful demonstrators and for investigations into the allegations of excessive use of force by security forces. The experts noted that “the disproportionate use of force disrespects fundamental human rights and aggravates tensions, leading to a further erosion of public trust in the state.”
Grave Violations of Human Rights
The UN experts have received reports of grave violations of human rights in Peru, including allegations of excessive use of force, arbitrary arrests and detentions, and threats to journalists. These activities include the indiscriminate use of firearms, including snipers, rubber bullets, and tear gas, and a concerning lack of transparency and accountability. The experts also criticized the overly restrictive measures imposed on protesters, such as the 30-day curfew.
The UN experts highlighted that freedom of expression, assembly, and protest are essential rights that should be guaranteed in any democracy. They urged the Government of Peru to investigate all allegations of excessive use of force and hold those responsible accountable. They also called on the government to respect the right to peaceful assembly and to ensure that those who exercise their rights – protesters and journalists – are protected, not persecuted.
States’ Obligation to Respect Human Rights
The international community has urged the Government of Peru to end the violence and repression of demonstrators. The UN human rights experts reminded Peru that States have an obligation to ensure respect for the rights of individuals, regardless of their political views. This obligation requires States to investigate reports of human rights abuses and to take appropriate action to hold those responsible accountable.
The UN experts also urged Peru to respect the right to expression, assembly, and protest as protected by international law. States should facilitate peaceful assemblies and provide security to protesters, and not act in a manner that threatens or intimidates, uses force or aggression, or results in arbitrary arrests or detentions.
The protests in Peru have highlighted the state’s obligation to protect the rights of its citizens, including the right to assembly and protest. The UN human rights experts have expressed grave concern over the disproportionate use of force and overly restrictive measures employed by the government, which violate the rights of protesters and members of the press. They have urged the Government of Peru to investigate allegations of human rights violations, ensure respect for fundamental human rights, and to take strong action against those responsible for any abuses. In this way, Peru can maintain respect for human rights and the rule of law, as both are essential components of any democracy.
