Thursday, January 14, 2016

Human Rights and the Peru Elections

Human Rights Agenda in the Peru Elections
The upcoming general elections in Peru call us to be aware of the candidates and how they will work to defend human rights in this country, attending to the four important freedoms to protect: freedom from misery, freedom from fear, respecting the freedom of worship and expression; as the UN called for in December 2015.

Thus, the Institute for Democracy and Human Rights of the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru (IDEHPUCP) presented to political organizations participating in the next election (April 2016) and the general public the Human Rights Agenda. This document focuses on various issues to be included in both plans for the new government and public discussion during the 2016 general elections.
The Institute considers it essential to include in the electoral debate a list of problems associated with the promotion and protection of human rights, the same as, in general, those which seem to be absent from the debates between presidential and parliamentary candidates. The Human Rights Agenda is organized into three axes.

• First, the transitional agenda related to tasks focused on truth, justice, and reparations for victims of the period of violence that took place in the country between 1980 and 2000. In particular, to consider issues relating to reparations, the Place of Remembrance, human rights education, tracing missing persons and responding to the needs of their families.

• Second, the use of the armed forces, particularly during social conflicts. Our Institute considers it important to address this issue despite the guarantees that the State respects the environment and the rights of those involved. 

• Third, the problems of vulnerable groups, which have a higher risk of having their rights violated. This includes people with disabilities, women, indigenous peoples, migrants and LGBTI citizens.



PRAYER FOR THE ELECTIONS. Lord, open our understanding of the responsibilities that accompany human freedom. Grant this nation wisdom to choose those who will lead the country and help us to stay responsible and vigilant so that those elected fulfill their duties for the good of all.   Amen 

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