Solidarity with the people of Chile and rejection of the use of repressive violence

This year in Chile, widespread mobilizations have taken place, expressing multiple social demands that have been systematically ignored by government authorities. During the week of October 14, 2019, young Chileans protested against the increase in subway fares, calling for a mass fare evasion. Although the authorities' response was—once again—repression, the protest continued, joined by other increasingly massive demonstrations that took on a broad, cross-cutting character. On the night of October 17, entire families took to the streets denouncing police violence and protesting not only the subway fare increase but also an economic model that has generated enormous inequalities, enriching a few at the expense of the impoverishment of the majority. The indignation is directed at an oppressive, violent, and predatory system that produces high levels of debt, promotes competitiveness and extreme individualism, and exercises enormous violence against any form of dissent. The unrest and despair stem from meager pensions, rising water and electricity costs, high prices for education and healthcare, immigration laws and the degrading treatment of migrants, women's lack of freedom to decide about their own bodies, violence against the Mapuche people, and a long list of other issues.

Chile rebelled against neoliberalism. In response, President Sebastián Piñera initially invoked the State Security Law, inherited from Pinochet's civic-military dictatorship. Although he suspended the subway fare increase, he declared a State of Emergency, the first time since the return of democracy that this measure had been implemented to address social protests. On Saturday, October 19, Santiago awoke to find itself occupied by military contingents equipped with weapons of war. But this did not stop the people; instead, it fueled their outrage. Across the country, protesters of all generations took to the streets, bravely confronting the police and the army. In response, General Iturriaga—now in command—declared a curfew.

The Latin American Council of Social Sciences condemns the use of all forms of repressive violence, calling for the recognition and respect of the legitimate right of peoples to protest. It also strongly advocates for an end to the use of laws that restrict personal freedoms, endanger lives and personal safety, and criminalize political struggles. We are deeply concerned about the resurgence of authoritarian practices in Latin America, which reveal the weaknesses of democracies like Chile's, which, despite efforts, have failed to consolidate social and political relationships based on social justice, equity, and respect for human rights.

Steering Committee of the Latin American Council of Social Sciences

CLACSO Member Centers in Chile

The Declaration was approved by the CLACSO Board of Directors
at its 100th Session in Havana, Cuba 

[+] CLACSO for Chile

SEE ALSO: Curfew in Santiago, Chile
https://www.clacso.org/toque-de-queda-en-santiago-de-chile/