Peruvian government rejects UN report on rights and social protests.

The Peruvian government has expressed its firm rejection of the recently published report by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association. This reaction occurs in a context marked by protests that took place between December 2022 and March 2023, which resulted in a high number of deaths and injuries, especially among indigenous and rural communities. The two governmental entities, the Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, have questioned the accuracy and context of the report issued by Rapporteur Gina Romero, arguing that it does not reflect the progress made in the country. In its statement, the Executive asserts that it has maintained a channel of dialogue and has made efforts to address social conflicts, such as the establishment of a working group focused on designing a National Policy for the prevention and management of conflicts. However, these claims have not managed to mitigate the criticism surrounding the government's response during the protests. Rapporteur Romero had urged the country to adopt concrete measures, including public apologies for the incidents that occurred, assertions that the government considers unfounded. The rapporteur also emphasized the need for Peru to advance legal and practical reforms that guarantee respect for the right to peaceful protest. Despite this, the government defended its position, pointing out that President Dina Boluarte, in a message to the nation, apologized on behalf of the state to the families of those who died during the demonstrations. However, the interpretation of these apologies has varied, generating skepticism among various human rights organizations and sectors of civil society. The controversial UN report raises alarms about the excessive use of force by authorities during the protests, highlighting the high number of deaths and injuries. The government has dismissed this content, arguing that the assertions are out of context and do not reflect the reality of the human rights situation in the country. The discrepancy between the official narrative and international observations creates an atmosphere of tension and distrust. The rapporteur also stressed the importance of conducting genuine consultations with the communities affected by the protests, suggesting that these actions are fundamental to addressing the root causes of social unrest and restoring trust in institutions. This call has been supported by several civil society organizations and human rights defenders, who consider dialogue crucial to prevent future episodes of violence. The report also outlines the need to amend legal reforms that restrict the right to peaceful assembly and promote the stigmatization of social protests. These reforms have been criticized both nationally and internationally, as they are deemed restrictive and potentially violative of fundamental rights. The international community has been attentive to how the Peruvian government responds to these demands. Additionally, there was a call to end the criminal investigations that have been labeled as arbitrary against civilians involved in the protests. The rapporteur highlighted the importance of ensuring that preventive detention is used in a proportional and exceptional manner, and that there is no discrimination in its application, especially for indigenous communities. This is a sensitive aspect that could have profound repercussions on the government's relationship with these peoples. In this context, the Peruvian government's response to the UN recommendations seems to be an attempt to delegitimize the criticisms and maintain its narrative of progress in human rights. However, the gap between citizen perception and the official discourse is widening, which could further complicate the situation in the country as new elections approach and social tensions intensify. The controversy highlights the urgent need for a more comprehensive and sensitive approach to the handling of human rights and the freedom to protest in Peru. The voices of those affected by repression during the protests must be heard and considered in the formulation of public policies aimed at restoring trust and social cohesion. Thus, the dilemma facing the government is not only an issue of international image but also an internal challenge that could define its legacy and the future stability of the country. The response to the UN criticisms could be a turning point in the relationship between the state and civil society and determine the course of Peru in the upcoming stages of its political and social history.