The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights condemns the violence of the Santa Cruz strike and calls for an investigation

MADRID, 16 Nov. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The Technical Mission in Bolivia of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has condemned the violence of the protests in the Bolivian capital, Santa Cruz, and has called for any violation of rights to be investigated.

"Violence, of any nature and by any actor, has no place in the legitimate exercise of the right to assembly and protest. The loss of life (...), the damage to the physical integrity of hundreds of people and to property , as well as attacks on institutions and social organizations, are unacceptable and cannot be repeated," the mission in the country declared, according to a statement from the agency.

In addition to categorically rejecting the violent acts registered in recent weeks in the country, he has reiterated the importance of the right to peaceful assembly and protest as a way "to exercise other rights such as participation in public affairs or freedom of expression."

In this sense, the entity has demanded the action of all Bolivian State agencies for the fulfillment of Human Rights.

"This role is of particular importance to prevent acts of racism and discrimination," explained the High Commissioner. "Attitudes and behaviors of this nature cannot have any place in a democratic society and require continuing to work on respect and inclusion," the statement reads.

Likewise, the OHCHR mission has singled out the Ombudsman, since "it has a key responsibility in the promotion and protection of human rights in the country."

He has also called for media workers to be protected and for police forces to meet international standards.

The Executive of the Latin American country announced last week that it would take criminal action against those responsible for the protests in Santa Cruz, after announcing that the balance of victims is four dead and 178 injured in 20 days.

The Minister of the Presidency, María Nela Prada, criticized the days of "terror" that characterize the strike in Santa Cruz, affirming that the leaders of the protests have "blood-stained hands."

The so-called "civic movement" in Bolivia -- promoted by the opposition in the Bolivian region of Santa Cruz -- began an indefinite national strike more than twenty days ago to demand that the Census be held in 2023, instead of 2024 as proposed by the Bolivian Government, since this registration conditions the distribution of aid between the regions of the country.

The protests are concentrating in the city of Santa Cruz, where the opposition to Luis Arce has the greatest weight and is the economic engine of the country.