In response to the disproportionate and exaggerated actions Peruvian national police have unleashed upon protesters in recent weeks, thirty-seven national and international faith organizations asked President Joe Biden to immediately suspend U.S. security assistance to Peru until the violent repression ends and human rights violations are addressed. You can join us in calling on Congress and President Biden to suspend security assistance by using the form below.
As a person of faith with deep respect for the dignity of human life I am concerned by the ongoing political repression against protestors in Peru, following the controversial departure of President Pedro Castillo last December. I ask that you work to halt security assistance from the United States to Peru as a strong message of support for the basic human rights of Peruvian citizens.
Peruvian faith communities have witnessed the extraordinary violence by police and security forces sent by President Dina Boluarte leading to over 60 deaths and 1300 injured. Over 80% of these killings have taken place in indigenous communities, including the massacre of 18 people in the of Juliaca.
Pope Francis has said of the situation: “Violence extinguishes hope for a just solution to the problems. I encourage all sides involved to take up the path of dialogue among brothers in the same nation, in the full respect of human rights and of the rule of law.”
Please work to suspend U.S. security assistance to Peru until the violent repression ends and human rights violations are addressed.
Photo by Sr. Patricia Ryan, MM of memorial to some of those who were killed during protests in Puno, Peru, Jan. 26, 2023.