Pronouncement: We demand immediate release of adolescents held in detention and respect for their fundamental rights

Lima, 11 November 2020

The Steering Group to End Violence against Children and Adolescents demands the Peruvian National Police to immediately release the adolescents and the sister of one of them who were arrested yesterday, November 10th, for allegedly participating in the public demonstrations in defense of the rule of law, and who at this moment are being held at the Alfonso Ugarte Police Station.

The adolescents were allegedly mistreated and humiliated by the Peruvian National Police, and, therefore, we demand that the Public Prosecutor’s Office instructs the prosecutors on duty to attend to the detentions of the adolescents as an urgent priority, in order to release them, notwithstanding the complaints that could continue against members of the police who humiliated and mistreated the minors. The Steering Group to End Violence against Children and Adolescents reminds the National Police that even in a state of emergency, there are rights that must be respected. In this sense, the National Police cannot arbitrarily detain people who are not committing a crime, use excessive force, shoot pellets and tear gas bombs at the face and body of demonstrators; nor can they arrest minors.

We must remember that children and adolescents have the right to express their opinion on any matter affecting them, as indicated in article 12 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The State must guarantee the exercise of all the rights of children and adolescents, considering their best interest as paramount, and in the event that such rights are breached, ensure their prompt reparation and restitution. The law enforcement agencies must comply with the protocols of action when dealing with children and adolescents in their interventions, ensuring their right to the protection of their identity and to not to expose them to situations of risk, detentions, or the use of force that affects their integral development or their lives.

Likewise, the response of the State through the Comprehensive Child Protection System must be coordinated and articulated in order to guarantee timely, relevant and integral actions. We call on law enforcement to respect the right to social protest and the human rights of all citizens and their families.

Steering Group to End Violence against Children and Adolescents

#YoMeQuedoEnCasa (I stay at home).

Signed by:

Action for children

Ágape

SOS Children’s Villages

Arigatou International

Buckner Peru

CHS Alternativo

Equidad

GIN – National Initiative for Children’s Rights Group

IPRODES – Institute Promoting Social Development

MANTHOC – Movement of Adolescent and Child Workers Children of Christian Workers

IFEJANT –Training Institute for Educators of Youth, Adolescents and Working Children in Latin America and the Caribbean

Paz y Esperanza

REMDI PERÚ – Network of Students and Graduates of Masters and Children’s Programs in Peru

Save the Children Terre des Hommes Suisse