Popular protests in Chile

Motion Text

That this House notes that the student protests over transport fare hikes in Chile have transformed into a nationwide protest including a general strike on 24 and 25 October 2019; recognises that this spontaneous national uprising has its roots in three decades of increasing economic inequality in Chile; condemns President Piñera's declaration that the Chilean government is at war with the protesters; expresses its deep concern at the numerous allegations of human rights violations and sexual violence reported by Chile's National Human Rights Institution; supports the announcement of a UN High Commission on Human Rights investigation into these allegations by former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet; and calls on the UK Government to use all diplomatic and international means at its disposal to assist in a peaceful resolution to the ongoing protests.