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(CNN Spanish) - The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights concluded that there were serious human rights violations during the political and social crisis that triggered reports of electoral fraud during the October general elections and the resignation of former President Evo Morales in November.
In a report published Tuesday after the visit of a delegation of the IACHR to several cities in Bolivia, the commission recommends the creation of an International Group of Independent Experts “with guarantees of autonomy and independence to ensure the right to the truth and properly identify to those responsible. ”
The interim government of President Jeanine Áñez said she "fully agrees that there is an impartial international investigation that determines and qualifies the acts of violence in Bolivia."
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“The widespread socio-political violence that was triggered in the periods before and after the general elections, characterized by polarization, hostility and hatred in social relations, based on discrimination, intolerance and racism, has registered a series of serious violations of human rights of broad spectrum and unfortunate consequences, far beyond the context of social protest, at the most structural and fundamental level of Bolivian society, with profound repercussions on the daily life of the country, ”says the report of the Commission.
During their visit, the IACHR delegation found that during the protests that began in October, more than 30 people died, more than 800 were injured and at least 360 were arrested. The commission highlights and condemns incidents in the cities of Sacaba and Senkata, which it describes as "massacres" after the death of 18 people was recorded in clashes between supporters, opponents of Morales and law enforcement.
According to the commission's report, repeated complaints were received about the excessive use of force by the Police and the Armed Forces, beatings, shots, or the indiscriminate use of tear gas or other objects.
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The Government of Bolivia has expressed its condemnation for “all forms of violence and any instance in which the life and safety of all members of Bolivian society are put at risk”.
The commission asked social sectors to avoid continuing road and highway blockages such as those registered in recent months. In addition, it concludes that “the main direct consequence of the blockades has been the shortage of food, fuel and basic goods, in addition to the increase in prices. Health and education services as well as the tourism sector have also been affected. ”
“The recommendations addressed by the Commission to the State of Bolivia revolve around the urgent need for a process of national dialogue and reconciliation, tending to deactivate the potentially violent tensions that underlie social relations in Bolivia today,” concludes the report.