Chile: Groups oppose signed agreement November 17 /update 30

Event

Various social groups and unions have declared their opposition to the signed "Agreement for Peace and a New Constitution," which lays out a path to the constitutional change most groups are seeking on Sunday, November 17. Groups claim that the Agreement, signed on Friday, November 15, does not guarantee the creation of a constituent assembly, which is what the public wants. Some also denounce that the agreement was written and signed by politicians, which are not representative of the people and are a key part of the protest movement.

Protests are therefore likely to continue until the government responds to the new and detailed demands.

Transportation disruptions will continue in Santiago, particularly in the metro system and due to congestion. Other protests, including spontaneous ones, are to be expected daily across other urban centers in Chile. A heightened security presence and transportation disruptions are expected at all demonstrations. Clashes cannot be ruled out.

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. The Chilean judiciary has informed that a total of 26,126 people have been arrested since the start of the protests on Friday, October 18 until Monday, November 11. The National Institute of Human Rights states that as of November 10, 2009 people are hospitalized and at least 20 people have been killed. Movement participants have called for the creation of a new Constitution through a constituent assembly in order to replace the current charter of rights (magna carta) which dates back to Pinochet's dictatorship.

Police have continued to use water cannons and tear gas, among other methods of crowd control, which international human rights organizations have denounced as violations

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.