Concerns raised about actions against Rapa Nui protesters in Easter Island, Chile

By | 12 January, 2011

mapa-rapanuiThe Special Rapporteur communicated his concern to the Government of Chile for the violent evictions, and the threat of possible future evictions, of members of the Rapa Nui people, who since July 2010 have peacefully occupied buildings and other places in Easter Island, Chile, to demand recognition of their rights to ancestral lands. The Special Rapporteur encourages the Government to prevent further evictions and to ensure that the police presence on the island does not exceed what is necessary and proportionate to ensure the safety of the island’s inhabitants. He urges the Government to make every effort to carry out a good faith dialogue with representatives of the Rapa Nui people to resolve, as soon as possible, the underlying issues in the current situation.  See the complete statement [Spanish only].