Peru defends its management before the UN
Several countries expressed their concern this Wednesday before the UN about the repression of the protests in Peru, whose Minister of Justice defended the government, affirming that the authorities responded appropriately.
At a meeting of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, several countries expressed their deep concern about the “excessive use of force” by the Peruvian authorities during the mobilizations.
Peru’s situation was addressed during the Universal Periodic Review, a process to which the 193 member countries must undergo every four years.
“We are convinced that we are acting in an appropriate way to defend democracy and human rights,” Justice Minister José Andrés Tello told the council in a video address.
The minister condemned the protesters’ violence and insisted that the actions taken to restore public order were undertaken in full compliance with constitutional and international obligations.
Peru’s ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Luis Chuquihuara Chil, said the government is committed to investigating any abuse.
Several diplomats welcomed the government’s announcement of an investigation, but expressed concern about the continuing violence.
Denmark’s representative, Astrid Ruge, expressed her concern “over 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.”
The British ambassador, Simon Manley, called for a “proportionate and lawful response to the protests”.
The Argentine representative, Federico Villegas, urged Peru to guarantee compliance with human rights, especially the right to assemble peacefully.
With information from AFP and EFE