UN calls on Peru to investigate deaths in protests

After the large number of deaths registered in Peru in the different protests demanding the resignation of President Dina Boluarte and the closure of Congress, the UN called on the authorities to carry out “prompt, effective and impartial investigations.” According to Telam, through a message issued by his spokesman Stéphane Dujarric, Secretary-General António Guterres called for “avoiding the stigmatization of victims” and reiterated his “great concern” about the situation in the country and the number of deaths produced amid the repression of demonstrations. In that regard, the UN official urged restraint to avoid a new escalation of violence, reiterated his call on the Government of Peru to comply with its international commitments on human rights and stressed the importance of peaceful protests. In turn, Guterres considered it “fundamental” to generate the conditions for a meaningful and inclusive dialogue between the Peruvian government and the protesters to address the current crisis facing the country. The conflict in Peru began after the dismissal by Congress of former President Pedro Castillo, who announced on December 7 the dissolution of the unicameral Parliament and the establishment of an emergency government. Then, Castillo was arrested and thousands of people came out to protest to demand the resignation of Boluarte, who assumed as successor for her position as vice president. In addition, the demonstrators demand the dissolution of Congress and the urgent call for presidential elections. Since then, according to figures from the Peruvian Ombudsman’s Office, 46 people have died as a result of repression; while another 10 died from traffic accidents and events linked to blockades.

Original source in Spanish