UN official calls for end to police tactics against Mapuche Tribe

Wednesday, July 31, 2013  

Ben Emmerson, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism, called on the Chilean government to stop using an anti-terrorism law against members of the Mapuche Tribe.

Police have used the law to discriminate against tribal members, Emmerson said on Tuesday after a visit to Mapuche territory. He urged the creation of an independent commission to investigate allegations of violence by law enforcement.

“The anti-terrorism law has been used in a manner that discriminates against the Mapuche,” Emmerson said in a press release. “It has been applied in a confused and arbitrary fashion that has resulted in real injustice, has undermined the right to a fair trial, and has been perceived as stigmatising and de-legitimising the Mapuche land claims and protests.

Emmerson said the government hasn't done enough to address land and self-determination issues. The Mapuche were promised their land by treaty.

Get the Story:
UN official says Chile should stop using anti-terrorism law against Mapuche in land dispute (AP 7/30)

Mapuche people in Chile seek control over their homelands (05/31)
Tensions growing after fatal arson blamed on Mapuche activists (01/08)