The general secretary of the UN, Antonio Guterreswas shown this Wednesday “deeply shocked” by the number of deaths registered in the framework of the protests in Peru and asked the authorities for an independent and transparent investigation into the accusations of excessive use of force and human rights violations.
Through his spokesman, Guterres said that he is “following with concern” the situation in the South American nation, where close to fifty people have died in the violent protests of the last four weeks.
According to spokesman Stéphane Dujarric, the head of the United Nations “urges the authorities to ensure respect for human rights and to ensure that a diligent, independent, impartial and transparent investigation is carried out into the allegations of excessive use of force and human rights violations.”
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Guterres also stresses that the demonstrations have to be peaceful and respect life and private property.
Peru experienced a tragic day of protests last Monday in the southern region of Puno, where at least 17 protesters and a police officer died in clashes with law enforcement, bringing the death toll to 46 since December 11 in the whole country.
In addition to Guterres, various UN bodies such as the organization’s representation in Peru and the Human Rights Office have expressed their concern about the situation in the country.
The protesters demand the resignation of President Dina Boluarte, the closure of Congress, the advancement of general elections to 2023 and the calling of a constituent assembly.
The protests began timidly on December 7, after the failed self-coup by then-president Pedro Castillo, and spread from the 11th of the same month.
At Christmas, a truce began that lasted until last Wednesday, when the protests concentrated in the south of the country resumed, especially in Puno and its neighboring department of Cuzco.
Source: EFE
Source: Gestion
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