A statement signed by human rights rapporteurs called for the inclusion of all communities that could be affected by extractive activities, in particular the La Plata SA or Curipampa-El Domo projects linked to Canadian capital companies.
The signatories demanded respect for their right to freedom of expression and assembly, and warned of potential retaliatory measures against members of communities by companies responsible for the projects.
According to the text, affected indigenous communities must be included in consultations as this may exacerbate social conflict.
“Community dissatisfaction has been exacerbated by the temporary deployment of dozens of police and military personnel in Palo Quemado, causing increased violence and conflict, including clashes between security forces and community members,” the text claimed.
At the same time, he noted that more than 70 defenders, including indigenous leaders, have been criminally charged for opposing these initiatives.
The rapporteurs called for greater attention to the residents of the parishes of Las Bambas and Palo Quemado in the province of Cotopaxi, and the canton of Las Naves in the province of Bolivar.
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