SANTIAGO - The UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly and association, Gina Romero today praised the resilience of society and the institutional progress made to guarantee these rights but warned that there were changes requiring urgent attention.
In her observations at the conclusion of an official visit to the country, Romero highlighted important, albeit insufficient, efforts to advance guarantees of non-recurrence in response to human rights violations committed during the social estallido in 2019.
"The investigation of three senior police officers represents an unprecedented step towards justice and a possible regional benchmark. However, the persistence of impunity and lack of effective mechanisms for comprehensive reparation exacerbate the suffering of victims and their families," she said.
Romero expressed concern about cases of people who have been left with irreversible consequences, such as loss of vision. "Respect for the memory of the estallido, the construction of a common narrative of what happened, comprehensive reparation, an end to impunity, and progress in institutional reforms are essential conditions for guaranteeing non-repetition," she said.
The Special Rapporteur warned that peaceful assembly, including social protest, cannot be subject to administrative regulations and that its legal protection remains a debt owed by the State.
"It is essential to ensure that all regulations affecting the practical exercise of the right are aligned with international standards, including the draft law on the use of force," she said.
In Chile, Romero said she had found a society seeking to build a more inclusive future and heal the wounds of the past. "The fact that some constitutional processes have not been successful should not discourage social mobilisation that has previously succeeded in bringing about change. Democracy and social inclusion require greater citizen participation, collective action and the rebuilding of social trust," the expert said.
She heard testimonies pointing to a possible arbitrary and discriminatory application of the rules, which means that the right to peaceful assembly is guaranteed for some actors but restricted for others. Romero expressed concern about the lack of guarantees and reprisals against certain groups when exercising their right of association and called on the government to ensure a safe and inclusive environment where all voices are heard. The Special Rapporteur appreciated the willingness of the Senate Human Rights Commission to move forward with the regulation of the right of assembly and its call on the Executive to urgently review existing bills.
Romero will present a full report on her visit to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2026.
