Social conflicts are rising in the country: 194 cases recorded as of November.

The Ombudsman’s Office has revealed in its latest report that the landscape of social conflicts in the country is concerning, with a total of 194 conflicts registered as of November 2024. Of these, 154 are currently active, highlighting the social tension experienced in various regions and sectors of the country. The figure reflects a complex reality, where citizens' demands clash with the lack of adequate responses from the State and the companies involved. The report details how 84 of these conflicts are in the dialogue phase, while 33 are in a de-escalation process. However, 17 conflicts are in the escalation phase, indicating an increase in tensions and a risk of these situations worsening. The Ombudsman’s Office has emphasized the importance of timely addressing these issues to prevent them from becoming deeper crises. Particularly concerning is the territorial distribution of these conflicts. Loreto has become the most conflictive region, with 31 cases to date. Among the most pressing issues are demands for environmental remediation and attention to basic needs in communities such as the native Fernando Rosas and the Chambira River basin. These situations underscore the urgency for the government and companies to address the concerns of communities affected by natural resource exploitation. Similarly, Puno, Cusco, and Piura present significant numbers of social conflicts. The diversity of these cases also highlights the complexity of the underlying causes, which range from environmental demands to governance issues. The report reveals that socio-environmental conflicts, which represent more than half of the cases, are the main driver of social dissatisfaction, evidencing the need for a more sustainable and responsible approach to natural resource management. The role of dialogue in conflict resolution is fundamental, as 54.5% of active conflicts are being addressed through this mechanism. However, it is alarming that a large portion of these conflicts remains unresolved. The resolution of six conflicts in November, notably the case of the Chancay megaport, demonstrates that dialogue can be effective but also highlights that these efforts must be continuous and committed. On the other hand, the report mentions an increase in collective protest actions, with a total of 236 registered in November. The mobilizations surrounding the APEC Summit indicate that citizens are willing to raise their voices in defense of their rights and demands. Protests have mostly taken the form of sit-ins and strikes, suggesting a growing social organization to confront perceived injustices. The Ombudsman’s Office has issued early warnings to various state entities and companies, seeking prompt action in addressing the conflicts. However, the effectiveness of these alerts will depend on the willingness of the State and the involved organizations to take concrete actions that address the issues at hand. Despite the mediation and oversight efforts by the Ombudsman, social dissatisfaction remains a persistent challenge. The lack of responses to the demands of communities, especially regarding health, education, and the environment, could lead to a resurgence of tensions. It is crucial to establish a more fluid communication framework between the government, companies, and citizens to prevent conflicts from escalating to uncontrollable levels. Additionally, the recent statements by Minister Quero have generated an atmosphere of distrust and opposition, leading the Ombudsman to demand his dismissal. Such situations not only affect the government's credibility but can also hinder efforts to resolve existing conflicts. The pressure on the Executive to take more effective and sensible measures is more urgent than ever. In conclusion, the situation of social conflicts in the country is critical and requires immediate attention from the authorities. The Ombudsman’s Office, in its role as mediator and defender of human rights, must be supported in its efforts to ensure that conflicts are resolved fairly and peacefully. Investing in dialogue, addressing citizens' demands, and promoting inclusive policies are necessary steps to build a more cohesive and peaceful country.