49 people were killed and hundreds seriously injured by police and military personnel during the protests in Peru between December 2022 and February 2023.
A year later, the victims and their families are still waiting for truth, justice and redress. Sign our petition to join their calls.
What is the problem?
Thousands of people took to the streets of Peru between December 2022 and February 2023 to protest. The police and army responded with the unlawful use of bullets, tear gas, and rubber and metal pellets, causing 49 deaths and leaving hundreds of people seriously injured. Most of the victims belonged to historically marginalised communities, including Indigenous people and campesinos (rural farm workers).
The victims of this repression could be denied their rights to truth, justice and redress due to inaction from the authorities. To date, no public officials have been arrested in connection with the human rights violations committed. This includes officials who may have fired weapons and those who may have ordered or allowed the repression.
Although some important progress has been made, the investigations of the Attorney General’s Office have generally been slow and incomplete and have not fully considered the needs of victims.
In Andahuaylas, Ayacucho and Juliaca, the victims of state repression are fighting for their voices to be heard. These three locations in Peru’s Southern Andean region were the epicentre of widespread lethal attacks by the security forces during the protests. A year on, they continue to demand truth, justice and redress, as well as the right to protest without being stigmatised or discriminated against by the Peruvian authorities.
The Attorney General’s Office must listen to the victims. It must ensure that the ongoing criminal investigations into the deaths and injuries caused in the protests do not run into obstacles; are swift and independent; and include hard evidence against the police chiefs or other commanding officers who may be responsible. Impunity must not prevail.
What can you do to help?
Stand united with the victims of state repression in Peru by signing our petition.