Civil society raises alarm over incidents of intimidation of environmental rights defenders

Association

After documenting several incidents, Coordinadora Nacional de Derechos Humanos (National Coordination of Human Rights) requested that the Ministry of Interior take urgent action to protect defenders in the Ecological Chaparrí Reserve, in northern Peru, due to the increase in attacks. Between February 22nd and 26th, for example, five members of Frente de Defensa Salvemos Chaparrí (an organisation protecting the Reserve) and of the Muchik Santa Catalina de Chongoyape community were reportedly harassed and intimidated by the Clan Cruzado, a criminal gang that operates as the military wing of land traffickers.

Peaceful Assembly

On 31st January 2018, two farmers were killed in the context of a national agrarian strike. Farmers protesting the high level of imports and the drop in the price of potatoes faced brutal repression from the police. Celestino Flores Ventura and Irineo Curiñaupa Campos were shot dead while protesting in Cerro del Pasco and Huancavelica. In addition, more than 60 people were injured. Other such mobilisations were forcefully dispersed in Junín, Huancayo and Tarma, with many reported injured as a result.

Coordinadora Nacional de Derechos Humanos(National Coordination of Human Rights) issued a statement, following the repression, to demand a thorough investigation into the incident. 

On 23rd and 27th February 2018, students gathered in Lima to protest against Bill 1215, also known as the "Youth Slave Law", under consideration in Congress. This controversial legislation proposes reforms that would require students in technical fields to work without remuneration for companies in relevant fields for 448 hours over a maximum of three years as part of their educational training.
On both days, protesting students clashed with security forces before being forcibly dispersed. Police claimed that the demonstrations were not authorised.