Chile: Protest and nationwide general strike called October 29, 30 /update 17

Event

Several social groups including the Workers' United Center of Chile (CUT) have called for a health march on Tuesday, October 29, in Santiago to continue the nationwide anti-government movement and call for improvements in Chile's healthcare sector. Participants will gather at the Ministry of Health at 12:30 (local time) and later march to Plaza Italia.

On Wednesday, October 30, a nationwide strike will be in effect, likely prompting protests in public squares across the country. Participants in Santiago are scheduled to gather at Plaza Italia at 11:00.

Other protests remain likely across Santiago on Tuesday and Wednesday, notably at Plaza Ñuñoa and along the Alameda. Protests are also likely in Valparaíso, Concepción, La Serena, and Curicó. A heightened security presence, transportation and business disruptions are expected in all demonstration-affected areas.

Context

Demonstrations began on October 6 after the Chilean government announced an increase in metro and bus fares. The mass protests escalated in Santiago and other cities over the following days to denounce high costs of living, rising electricity prices, the privatization of water, and other social issues. Some estimates indicate that 7000 people have been arrested and 20 people have been killed since the start of the protests. The United Nations announced it would send a mission to Chile in order to investigate claims of human rights abuses during the wave of protests.

Advice

Individuals in Chile, particularly in Santiago, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests due to the risk of violence, prepare for disruptions to transportation and business, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.