Peru: Farmer strike continues in six regions /update 1

Event

Farmers in at least six central and southern Peruvian regions - Junín, Huancavelica, Pasco, Huánuco, Ayacucho, and Apurímac - continue to strike as of Friday, February 2. The striking farmers have been erecting roadblocks in cities and on highways throughout the affected areas in recent days, leading to transportation disruptions as well as provoking violent clashes with security forces. The locations of the roadblocks are available on the Ministry of Transportation website.

Three people have reportedly been killed in the clashes - in the cities of Cerro de Pasco, Huancavelica, and Concepción - and others have been wounded.

A ministerial meeting is set to take place on the morning of Tuesday, February 6, in a bid to address the underlying issues behind the strike. Continued protests are possible until that date, and potentially longer if no solution is reached. Protests could also spread to other regions.

Context

The protest is being held to denounce the low price of potatoes and to demand more state aid for farmers.

Advice

Individuals in Peru are advised to systematically avoid all protests due to the risk of further violence, never attempt to cross roadblocks without authorization, verify road conditions prior to inter-city journeys, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.