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Government of Jujuy Province in Argentina Accused of Excessive Use of Force Against Protesters
The government of Jujuy Province in Argentina has come under severe criticism from Amnesty International for its excessive use of force against individuals exercising their right to peaceful protest. The response from the provincial police, which has resulted in hundreds of injuries, has been condemned as a violation of human rights.
Background
The protests in Jujuy Province were sparked by a fast-track constitutional reform approved by the Constitutional Convention on June 15th. The reform process, which was intended to include a 90-day period of debate, was completed in just three weeks without public participation or consultation. The final text of the reform was only released on the day of its adoption. The lack of transparency and citizen involvement has fueled public anger and frustration.
Violence and Repression
The provincial police have responded to the protests with excessive force, using rubber bullets, tear gas, and physical violence against the population, particularly targeting Indigenous people and rural farmworkers. The government’s decision to resort to repression rather than engaging in dialogue with protesters has been deeply criticized.
Amnesty International has reported that hundreds of people have been injured, with one 17-year-old boy even losing an eye after being shot with rubber bullets. Additionally, more than 60 people have been detained, many of them charged with the crime of “resisting authority,” a charge often used to limit individuals’ right to protest and demonstrate against the authorities.
Guaranteeing Human Rights
Amnesty International has called on the authorities of Jujuy Province to ensure the protection of the rights to peaceful protest and freedom of expression. They have also demanded that allegations of human rights violations committed by the police during the protests be promptly and thoroughly investigated by independent and impartial bodies.
The organization further urges the authorities to release full, detailed, and disaggregated information on the number of people injured and detained, as well as the charges against them. They stressed the need for the provincial government to address the underlying causes that have led various sectors of the population to protest and demonstrate for their human rights.
Promoting Dialogue and Participation
Amnesty International calls on the government of Jujuy Province to create an environment for genuine dialogue with all relevant actors, including Indigenous Peoples, trade unions, and teachers’ organizations. The organization emphasizes the importance of effective participation in the decision-making process, particularly concerning the key issues affecting the people of Jujuy Province.
The concerns raised by the population and human rights organizations revolve around proposals for reform related to the regulation of social protest, prohibition of different forms of public demonstration, environmental regulations, and Indigenous Peoples’ rights to consultation, participation, and territorial ownership.
Although some clauses associated with the direct participation of Indigenous Peoples were eventually removed from the reform, Amnesty International emphasizes that the entire text should be subject to consultation with communities and other social actors as required by international law.
Editorial: Upholding Human Rights Should Be a Priority for the Government
The government’s response to the protests in Jujuy Province is deeply alarming and raises serious concerns about their commitment to human rights. The excessive use of force, arbitrary detentions, and restrictions on the right to protest have infringed upon the fundamental freedoms of the people.
It is crucial for the government to recognize that the security of the population cannot be guaranteed by violating human rights. Rather, it is through respect for these rights, genuine dialogue, and inclusive decision-making processes that a peaceful and just society can be achieved.
By engaging in meaningful dialogue with Indigenous Peoples, trade unions, and teachers’ organizations, the government can address the underlying causes of the protests and work towards a fair and equitable solution that meets the needs and aspirations of the people.
Additionally, the government must prioritize investigations into allegations of human rights violations committed by the police. Failing to do so would only undermine trust in the authorities and perpetuate a cycle of violence.
Jujuy Province has a responsibility to uphold human rights and must be held accountable for its actions. International organizations like Amnesty International play a crucial role in shining a light on such violations and pressuring governments to respect and protect the rights of their citizens.
Advice: Finding a Pathway to Peaceful Resolution
To avoid further escalation of the situation and restore faith in the government, Jujuy Province must take immediate steps to address the concerns of the protesters. The government should:
1. Cease the use of excessive force:
The authorities must prioritize de-escalation and respect the rights of individuals to peaceful protest. The use of rubber bullets, tear gas, and physical violence should be halted immediately.
2. Establish an independent investigation mechanism:
In order to rebuild trust, the government should establish an independent and impartial body to thoroughly investigate allegations of human rights violations. This will demonstrate a commitment to justice and accountability.
3. Engage in genuine dialogue:
The government of Jujuy Province should actively engage with all stakeholders, including Indigenous Peoples, trade unions, and teachers’ organizations. Meaningful dialogue is essential for identifying mutually beneficial solutions and addressing the root causes of the protests.
4. Ensure transparency and participation:
The government must make all relevant information publicly available, including detailed data on injuries and detentions. Transparency will help rebuild trust and demonstrate the government’s commitment to human rights and accountability.
5. Revise the constitutional reform process:
The government should reconsider the constitutional reform process, ensuring public participation and consultation. Inclusionary processes that respect the rights of all citizens, particularly Indigenous Peoples, are essential for building a fair and equitable society.
By taking these steps, Jujuy Province can begin the difficult task of healing the divisions in its society and working towards a peaceful resolution that respects human rights and upholds the principles of democracy.
<< photo by George Pagan III >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
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