UN rights chief calls for ‘political responsibility’ to address Peru’s challenges

“Polarization has been deepening over recent months and there are troubling indications that an anti-rights movement is gaining ground. With local and regional elections due in October, I am concerned that hate speech, discrimination and violence could further increase,” she said.

Ms. Bachelet recalled that although Peru already has “important tools” in place to counter any regression in upholding human rights, efforts are needed to ensure these laws, policies and protocols are implemented.

The way forward requires different sectors of society coming together for an inclusive national dialogue that represents the country’s rich diversity.

“To this end, I urge all political parties to act with what I call generosity, and with a sense of political responsibility, to address the challenges that the country faces. State institutions that are strong, transparent, accountable and ready to root out corruption are fundamental for this process,” she said.

Ms. Bachelet met with a wide swath of society during her visit, including the President and members of his cabinet, lawmakers, and representatives from the justice system, civil society, the private sector, indigenous communities and victims of human rights violations.

The South American country is still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, and Ms. Bachelet addressed its devastating impacts. Peru had the world’s highest per capita death rate, with some 213,845 people succumbing to the disease.

“The pandemic laid bare the deep socio-economic divisions in Peruvian society, and its effects will reverberate for years,” she said, noting that rural areas, impoverished people, and marginalized and discriminated groups were among those particularly affected.

SOURCE: NEWS AGENCIES