(Geneva) Several countries expressed their concern on Wednesday at the UN about the repression of demonstrations in Peru, whose justice minister assured that the authorities are acting “appropriately to defend democracy”.
Before the Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva, representatives of several States deplored the “excessive use of force” by public authorities during the demonstrations.
The unrest began on December 7 after the dismissal and arrest of left-wing President Pedro Castillo, accused of having attempted a coup d’etat in order to dissolve the Parliament which was about to oust him from power.
Dina Boluarte, who succeeded him as head of state, called on Tuesday for a “national truce” at a time when the demonstrations demanding his departure and the dissolution of Parliament are not weakening and have already claimed 46 lives.
This situation was addressed in Geneva within the framework of the Universal Periodic Review of Peru, a process to which the member countries of the United Nations are subjected approximately every four years.
“We are convinced that we are acting appropriately to defend democracy and human rights,” Justice Minister José Andrés Tello said in a video address.
The minister said his country was facing a “complex situation”. He accused the demonstrators of violence and insisted that the measures taken to restore public order had been done in full respect of constitutional and international obligations.
The Peruvian ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Luis Chuquihuara Chil, assured that Peru respected “peaceful demonstrations” and that the security forces were working to “restore social peace”.
He also said the government is committed to investigating any abuses. Several diplomats welcomed the commitment, but expressed concern over continued violence.
Denmark’s representative, Astrid Ruge, expressed concern “about the number of people killed and injured as a result of the security forces’ response to the protests” and urged Peru to “limit the excessive use of force “.
British Ambassador Simon Manley called for a “proportionate and lawful response to the protests” and his Argentinian counterpart, Federico Villegas, called on Peru to ensure respect for human rights, in particular the right to peaceful assembly.