Statement regarding the human rights violations taking place in Chile

The Working Group on Critical Disability Studies expresses its condemnation of the human rights violations unfolding in Chile. We join the many voices denouncing these violations and strongly reject the systematic use of repression against peaceful and legitimate public demonstrations. We believe that the criminalization of protest, and especially the practices of torture, mutilation, enforced disappearances, and rape, are incompatible with any democratic organization.

We express our solidarity and support for the Chilean people. We recognize that the right to protest is inalienable and we welcome the emergence of new forms of demonstration in the face of injustice and oppression. The injuries inflicted on the bodies of the protesters are intended to intimidate and silence the voices of those who denounce inequality, oppression, and injustice. We reject and demand an end to the culture of terror, and that those politically responsible for the repression be brought to justice and punished.

November 2019
CLACSO Working Group
Critical studies in disability