MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency
Repression, use of force risk worsening Bolivia crisis: UN human rights chief
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet (file). The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights is urging authorities in Bolivia to ensure security forces comply with international standards on the use of force following the deaths of at least five protestors on Friday.
The South American country has plunged into political chaos following the resignation last week of President Evo Morales, with at least 17 people killed in demonstrations since then.
Michelle Bachelet, the UN rights chief, said while earlier deaths mostly resulted from clashes between rival protestors, the latest incidents appear to be due to the disproportionate use of force by the army and police.
With the country divided, she fears the situation could worsen.
“I am really concerned that the situation in Bolivia could spin out of control if the authorities do not handle it sensitively and in accordance with international norms and standards governing the use of force, and with full respect for human rights,” she said in a statement issued on Saturday.
“The country is split and people on both sides of the political divide are extremely angry. In a situation like this, repressive actions by the authorities will simply stoke that anger even further and are likely to jeopardise any possible avenue for dialogue.”
Widespread arrests inflaming tensions
Ms. Bachelet is also concerned that widespread arrests and detentions are adding to the tensions. More than 600 people have been detained since 21 October, many in the past few days, according to her office.
The UN Secretary-General has dispatched his Personal Envoy in efforts to bring about a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
“This situation is not going to be resolved by force and repression,” she said. “All sectors have the right to make their voice heard – this is the basis for democracy.”
Ms Bachelet called for prompt, transparent and impartial investigations into the arrests, detentions, injuries and deaths that have occurred as a result of the crisis.
Data on these incidents also should be made available, she added.
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Read all commentsChicureo, that's more proof of their bad intentions. An unelected interim government has no mandate to make changes in these policies - that were chosen by voters. If they were truly democratic or willing to put their country first, they'd concentrate on building cooperation, ending the violence and arranging free and fair elections. But fat chance of the right ever doing that in Latin America.
Nov 19th, 2019 - 10:18 am 0DemonTree
Nov 19th, 2019 - 09:56 pm 0There were several citizens from Cuba and Venezuela that were involved in some VERY undemocratic actions against Bolivia and were thankfully expelled.
With all due respect: You'll eventually see that your views will be on the wrong side of history.
And the Cuban doctors? They were involved in the subversive activity of treating people's health problems? Can't let people's lives and health get in the way of making an ideological point...
Nov 20th, 2019 - 07:57 am 0As for being on the right side of history, how about we make some predictions? The economy in Bolivia grew considerably under Morales and poverty has fallen drastically. So what d'you reckon for the next few years? Stormy with a chance of IMF loan?
In other news, we got the keys to our big new house in the country yesterday. I'm not sure we can really afford this, but my partner really wanted to move out of town.
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