Peru: Truth and reconciliation commission's report - an essential step towards truth, justice and reconciliation

'The report is an important step towards truth and justice in Peru, after two decades of internal armed conflict in which grave human rights violations and abuses were committed by the state and by the armed opposition,' Amnesty International said today.

The latest figures from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission state that over 40,000 people were killed and over 6,000 'disappeared' between 1980 and 2000, the two decades the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was mandated to investigate.

'The Peruvian authorities must ensure that the Commission´s report and recommendations are acted upon and that the necessary steps are taken to ensure that the truth of what happened during the 80's and 90's is widely known. Those responsible for these grave human rights violations must be brought to justice and adequate reparation made to the victims and their families.'

Amnesty International understands that the Commission has already handed to judicial authorities information on a number of cases the Commission has investigated. The organisation urges that these cases be thoroughly and impartially investigated.

Amnesty International also stated that 'it is paramount that the authorities establish appropriate mechanisms to ensure that the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission are implemented'.

A large number of victims of the internal conflict were people from ethnic groups and social sectors historically marginalised and discriminated against.

'In order to avoid history repeating itself, the Peruvian authorities should protect and promote economic, social and cultural rights as well as civil and political rights in the future,' concluded Amnesty International.