For an end to repression and violence in Peru
Since December 7, 2022, our sister nation of Peru has been in the midst of a political and social crisis that continues to spill blood. Following the attempt to dissolve Congress by former President Pedro Castillo and his subsequent removal from office for moral incapacity, institutionalized violence spread throughout the country and shows no signs of abating. The current government of Dina Boluarte is supported by the Armed Forces and the National Police of Peru, whose actions have thus far gone unpunished: as of January 28, 2023, there have been more than 60 direct and indirect deaths as a consequence of the militarized repression against protesters and civilians, violating the human rights of citizens and, in particular, killing Peruvians from the poorest and most vulnerable regions.
Furthermore, the strategies employed against Peruvians are concerning because they threaten their physical integrity from an ableist perspective: rubber and metal pellets are being fired at the limbs and eyes of protesters, photojournalists, and journalists, echoing the tactics used during the 2020 coup. Alarmingly, outside of Lima, there have been reports of gunfire directed at people's chests and skulls, reflecting the authorities' disposability of their fellow citizens, denying their citizenship and, ultimately, their humanity.
Today, as in previous days, Peruvians with and without disabilities are participating. They are taking part in organized and spontaneous protests, even knowing they are more vulnerable to certain police tactics. They are also contributing donations to the families of the deceased or injured, helping out at community kitchens for protesters, donating blood, and serving in first aid and emergency response teams.
From the CLACSO Working Group on Critical Studies in Disability We condemn the repressive, violent, and militarized actions against protesters and civilians that have resulted in death, leaving families and communities in mourning and grief. We demand an end to the actions of the police and the military and the opening of spaces for dialogue, agreement, and consensus that allow for the expression and exercise of democracy, including the right to dissent and protest that Peruvian citizens possess.
February 3th 2023
CLACSO Working Group
Critical studies in disability
This statement expresses the position of the Working Group Critical studies in disability and not necessarily that of the centers and institutions that make up the CLACSO international network, its Steering Committee or its Executive Secretariat.
