Peruvian Government Must Respect Freedom of Assembly
Freedom House welcomes Peru’s efforts to investigate the deaths that resulted from a recent anti-mining protest, but remains deeply concerned about the government’s use of state of emergency declarations as a way to restore order. We call on the authorities to protect freedom of assembly rights in Peru and to strengthen the implementation of the consultation law as a way to support dialogue and resolve disputes between local communities and companies.
On May 29, Peru declared a 30-day state of emergency to suspend freedom of assembly in the highland province of Espinar after a violent anti-mining protest broke out early this week, resulting in the arrest of more than 20 people, several injuries and four deaths after police opened fire on the protestors. Among those arrested was the mayor of Espinar, Oscar Mallohuanca, who is accused of leading the protest and continues to be held after other protestors were released on May 31. The demonstrators are protesting the Tinaya copper mine owned by Swiss-based Xstrata plc, which they claim is contaminating local water supplies and sickening farm animals.
President Humala expressed his concern over the deaths that resulted from the protest, and has ordered the creation of a Special Commission that includes the environment, mining and energy ministers to investigate the situation.
At least 10 people have died in disputes over natural resources since Humala took office in July and 174 people died in similar protests during the five-year term of Humala's predecessor Alan Garcia. In September 2011, Humala’s administration passed a new consultation law aimed at improving relations between companies and communities. However, two months later, the government declared a state of emergency after anti-mining protests broke out in several Northern provinces.
Peru is ranked Free in Freedom of the World 2012, Freedom House’s annual global assessment of political rights and civil liberties, and Partly Free in Freedom of the Press 2011.
Learn more:
Freedom in the World 2011: Peru
Freedom of the Press 2011: Peru