Government responds to Amnesty International report: “No massive or systematic human rights violations”

He Government He dismissed the fact that there was a “massive and systematic violation of human rights policies” in the country, and assured that he was providing “every opportunity” to investigate the deaths that occurred during anti-government protests that began in December last year.

In a statement from Ministry of Justice and Human Rights (Minyus) expressed deep regret for the loss of life” during the protests, but noted that it “categorically states that Peru does not have a policy of massive and systematic violation of human rights, or what they called “systemic racism” in the act of different bodies.”

The statement explicitly refers to the preliminary report submitted by Amnesty International (AI) last Thursday and assured that the government “appreciates the open dialogue” held on February 15 between the President Dina Boluarte with representatives of this body.

“He Executive provides all the opportunities for the development of research public service in order to identify those responsible for serious violations of the right to life, as well as state and private property in recent months,” he said.

In this sense, he reiterated that “the competent authorities, once the results of the investigations become known, will process and punish in accordance with the applicable rules.”

He Minhus it was also reported that “in parallel” with the investigations, a Multisectoral Commission was established in December, which included representatives OmbudsmanOffice of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Peru and the Interreligious Council of Peru.

“Solidarity support” to the victims

In this regard, he said that an agreement had been reached to provide “solidarity support” in the amount of 50,000 soles (about $13,150) for each dead and 25,000 soles (about $6,500) for seriously injured, civilians and policemen who remained in alive. behind. with continuation

“In the same way, the needs of these people are determined in terms of physical and mental health, education, housing, agriculture, etc., in order to provide them with comprehensive assistance,” he said.

According to various sources, during the protests that began in December, 70 people were killed, of which at least 48 were killed in demonstrations And clashes directly with security forces, 42 in the southern departments of Cusco, Puno, Ayacucho, Apurimac and Arequipa.

The statement also stated that ” peruvian government is aware that in the country the fight against discrimination is one of the biggest problems, as it is rooted in society and has contributed to increasing inequality.”

In conclusion, he reaffirmed “his desire to develop a broad and inclusive national dialogue with intercultural and human rights“to reach a consensus solution to the difficult situation in which the country finds itself, preserving for all time the constitutional order and law supremacy”.

“In this effort, he hopes to gain the support of the international community and national organizations and international organizations committed to strengthening democracy and promoting and protecting human rights,” he concluded.

The position of Amnesty International

Amnesty International (AI) condemned last Thursday that there were “general attacks” on the population by law enforcement forces during the protests in Peru and that the “serious human rights crisis” the country is facing was caused by racism And criminalization against indigenous and peasant communities.

“Indeed, serious violations are being committed in Peru human rights. These are widespread attacks on the public to punish and silence people who are exercising their legal right to protest,” said AI Americas director Erica Guevara.

He insisted that the “excessive and disproportionate use of force” left a “fatal and tragic” balance that “aggravates the systemic racism that exists in power State”.

Guevara warned that the events “may constitute extrajudicial executions, which is a crime under international law that is responsible not only for the one who pulled the trigger, but also for the one who gave the order.”

Condemning attacks on the press during demonstrations, AI He argued that “there are indications that the judiciary may be misused to harass and repress people participating in protests.”

In this sense, he expressed “great concern” about the lack of “resources, capacity and experience” of the regional prosecutor’s offices, which could lead to “impunity”.

EFE