UNHR’s High Commissioner concludes visit to Peru

By
Sayba Sagheer
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298
High Commissioner of UNHR
High Commissioner of UNHR

Lima 21 July 2022 (TDI):  The UN Human Rights (UNHR) High Commissioner, Michelle Bachelet’s three-day official visit to Peru ended on Wednesday.

Bachelet concluded the visit on the note, “Peru’s human rights challenges are clear, but I am convinced that they can be overcome & a way to a more inclusive future found. It is important to not lose hope.”

Bachelet started the visit to Peru on the 18th of July to discuss the opportunities and human rights challenges the country is facing. She scheduled meetings with the country’s legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Moreover, she held meetings with human rights advocates, private sectors, representatives of indigenous and civil societies, and members of the global community in Peru.

Socio-economic challenges faced by Peru

Peru is currently recovering from a COVID-19 pandemic that caused the greatest per capita death rate in the world and was catastrophic for its citizens. In sum, about 213,825 deaths have been documented, or more than 1 in every 20 people who had COVID confirmed.

However, a positive development is that 84% of people have already had their second COVID vaccination.

The pandemic uncovered severe socioeconomic divides in Peru’s society, and its consequences will be seen for years to come.

The pandemic adversely affected rural regions and the poor, unprivileged, and discriminated groups.

In the two years of lockdown, students could not access education effectively. This situation mostly impacted youngsters living in distant locations without internet access.

Most importantly, the Russian intervention in Ukraine and the consequent global food crisis is also a major factor here as Ukraine is a major exporter of food products to different states.

According to the World Food Programme, 15.5 million people in the nation are thought to be food insecure due to increased food and fuel prices. Subsequently, the situation could exacerbate in the upcoming months as Peru is facing a lack of fertilizers needed for the planting season.

Risks to human rights:

In addition, Bachelet raised concern about the rise in polarization over the recent months and the “troubling indications that an anti-rights movement is gaining ground.”

She expressed worry that hate speech, prejudice, and violence may worsen as municipal and regional elections approach in October.

She added that in the present situation, it is essential for Peru’s electoral officials to play a protective role in the democratic space. Journalists also play a significant role in this, yet they have experienced harassment while working. This is especially true for female journalists.

Peru already has crucial mechanisms in place to prevent a decline in the respect for human rights, such as laws, rules, and protocols that are compliant with international standards; nevertheless, these tools still need work to assure their application, along with adequate funding and manpower.

The High Commissioner said her discussions with stakeholders have demonstrated that the only way to successfully map out the future is for all societal sectors to come together and work toward a comprehensive national debate that reflects the great diversity of this nation.

To confront the issues the nation is facing, she implored all political parties to act with compassion and a sense of political responsibility. This process depends on the existence of powerful, responsible, transparent, and strong state institutions.

She also commended the role of the Ombudsperson’s Office and Peru’s indigenous peoples and human rights defenders for their invaluable contribution amid the crisis.

The impact of mining and other extractive industries: 

She highlighted that the development promises of extractive industries have all too often failed to benefit affected communities, especially indigenous peoples and rural populations.

She said to secure underlying rights to land and resources, ensuring that agreements negotiated to manage civil unrest brought on by extractive and other projects are founded on the previous consultation, include social and environmental protections, and minimize any negative effects.

The case of gender and sexual exploitations: 

She said hearing the testimonials of organizations supporting gender equality, especially the rights of the LGBTIQ+ community, affected her deeply.

She urged the authorities to collaborate with civil society to combat the alarmingly high incidence of domestic abuse, obstacles to obtaining services for sexual and reproductive health, prejudice based on sexist attitudes and gender stereotypes, and the issue of missing women and girls.

Peruvian response to Venezuelan refugees: 

Lastly, the High Commissioner recognized Peru’s efforts in responding to the arrival of some 1.3 million Venezuelan refugees and migrants, and said it was a testament to the country and its people that they stepped up to help

The full statement of the High Commissioner can be read here.