WASHINGTON.- The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and the South American Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights) urged the legislature of Chile to respect fundamental rights in matters of security.
This Monday, June 3, through a statement, both bodies expressed their concern about the debate in Congress of regulations that could reduce accountability and favor impunity for officials in charge of enforcing the law.
In this context they referred to bill No. 15.805-07 relating to the personnel of the Law Enforcement and Public Security Forces and the Forces, a text that was sent to Congress. “There is concern that the principle of proportionality has been eliminated (according to which the level of force used must be strictly related to the seriousness of the threat or crime and the legitimate objective of public order or the application of ley pursued), and that a provision be included (article 15) that establishes new presumptions to exempt from criminal responsibility the officials responsible for enforcing the law,” indicated the IACHR and the HIM.
They also stressed that the use of force by State agents “must operate with strict observance of international standards of human rights and accountability.” accounts at the individual and institutional levels, including senior management.
Setback in Chile
Likewise, the IACHR and the UN warned that the absence of the principle of proportionality of force could represent “a serious setback for human rights in Chile”.
“International evidence shows that reducing accountability is not an effective way to confront crime and the regrettable acts of violence against security force officials. True protection and strengthening of police work must include greater investment in police intelligence , improved incentives and high levels of training (for example, in human rights), as well as better working conditions for officials, including access to mental health,” said the head of UN Human Rights in South America, Jan Jarab.
Source: CIDH / ONU
