Peruvian government rejects UN report on protests and human rights.

The Peruvian government has expressed its strong rejection of a report issued by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association, which addresses the deaths that occurred during protests between December 2022 and March 2023. In a joint statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, the Executive expressed its disagreement with the contents of the report, asserting that it does not reflect the progress made in the meetings and documents presented to the rapporteur. The government's statements come in a context of growing tension surrounding human rights in Peru, especially after the intense demonstrations that shook the country just over a year ago. UN Special Rapporteur Gina Romero had indicated that Peru had not adopted the recommendations outlined in the report following her visit in May, including a call for public apologies for the violent incidents that resulted in multiple deaths. The rapporteur emphasized the need for the country to implement legal reforms that align its practices with international standards, stressing respect for the right to peaceful protest. In her messages, Romero highlighted the importance of protecting those exercising their legitimate right to demonstrate, a point that has generated strong debate between authorities and the international community. The government, for its part, highlighted that it has promoted dialogue and implemented initiatives to manage social conflicts. In particular, it mentioned the establishment of a working group designed to design a National Policy for the Prevention and Management of Social Conflicts, a step they consider vital for addressing tensions in the country. However, critics of the government argue that these measures are insufficient unless accompanied by a genuine commitment from the Executive to acknowledge and rectify the abuses committed during the protests. In her address to the nation on July 28, President Dina Boluarte offered apologies on behalf of the state to the families of those who died in the demonstrations, both civilians and members of the security forces. However, these apologies have been met with skepticism by many, who believe they are mere words unless translated into concrete actions and a true process of accountability. The UN report, criticized by the government for its lack of context, notes an alarming excessive use of force in the repression of protests, particularly in indigenous and rural communities, where the number of dead and injured is disproportionate. This situation raises serious questions about the government’s strategy regarding the management of social crises and its willingness to engage in dialogue with affected communities. The rapporteur also emphasized the need for extensive consultations with these communities to address the causes of the protests, as well as the urgency of implementing reforms that restore trust in institutions. The lack of this genuine dialogue, according to the report, could perpetuate the cycle of violence and distrust that has characterized relationships between the state and the most vulnerable communities. Moreover, there were calls to modify recent legal reforms that have been perceived as restrictive regarding the rights to assembly and association. These reforms have drawn criticism for their potential to criminalize social protest and limit civil liberties, posing a significant challenge to democracy in the country. The international community is closely monitoring events in Peru, and both activists and human rights organizations will demand an effective response from the government to the concerns raised in the report. The current situation represents a critical juncture that could define the future of democratic governance in the Andean country, as well as its commitment to human rights and social justice. The Executive's response to the UN recommendations will be crucial in rebuilding trust between the state and its citizens, especially those who have felt marginalized and neglected in recent decades.