Urgent Action: Venezuelan refugees persecuted and deported

On 17 March, police and immigration officers arbitrarily detained 14 Venezuelan refugees (three women and 11 men) at a shelter in La Paz, Bolivia. They had participated in a peaceful demonstration at the Cuban Embassy against human rights violations in Venezuela on 15 March. Officers took them to an immigration office, interrogated them and accused them of “conspiracy” and “political activities in exchange for money”, violating their right to due process.

That same day, six of them were arbitrarily deported to Peru, which was the entry point to Bolivia. The remaining eight, who had applied for asylum, were released but five subsequently fled to Peru fearing further persecution. Those released who remain in Bolivia currently fear persecution and arbitrary deportation. According to local organizations and witnesses, many were ill-treated and threatened by police officers. Urge the Minister of Government to stop persecuting and arbitrarily deporting Venezuelan refugees in need of international protection.

Take action.

PLEASE SEND APPEALS BEFORE 9 MAY 2019

Please write urgently in your own words or using the template letter included in English or Spanish to:

Minister of Government

Mr. Carlos Romero

Av. Arce esq. Belisario Salinas N° 2409, 

La Paz, Bolivia

Phone: + 591 2 2440466, +591 2 2120002

Twitter: @MindeGobierno, @CarlosGuRomero

Salutation: Minister Romero

And copies to:

Attorney General

Dr. Juan Lanchipa Ponce

Office of the Attorney General 

Address: Calle España N° 79 Esq. San Alberto

La Paz, Bolivia 

Twitter: @FGE_Bolivia 

Conduct an immediate, through and impartial investigation into the alleged human rights violations that occurred during the detention and deportation of these Venezuelan refugees on 17 March and bring those responsible to justice. 

Ombudsman (Defensora del Pueblo)

Mrs. Nadia Cruz

Address: Calle Colombia N° 440 

entre Héroes del Acre y Gral. González

La Paz, Bolivia 

Twitter: @DPBolivia 

Also send copies to diplomatic representatives accredited to your country.

CHARGE d’AFFAIRES: Miss Giovanna L. Vidal Sejas, Embassy of Bolivia, 106 Eaton Square SW1W 9AD, 020 7235 4255 Ext 100, Fax 020 7235 1286, embol@bolivianembassy.co.uk, www.bolivianembassy.co.uk

Please check with your section before sending appeals after the above date.

Please note that we would prefer you to send Twitter messages (since they are public and immediate) to both accounts. Nevertheless, letters and phone calls are also useful.