UN Universal Periodic Review of Bolivia

The Society for Threatened Peoples (STP) is deeply concerned about the human rights situation in Bolivia. “Bolivia’s government urgently needs to consistently comply with international human rights and environmental standards. Particularly urgent aspects are the protection of indigenous rights, regulation of extractivist activities, and measures to stop environmental destruction,” stated Jan Königshausen, STP expert on Indigenous peoples.

In the run-up to the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Bolivia through the UN Human Rights Council – which will take place in January 2025 – a total number of 300 Bolivian organizations sent alarming reports on the country’s human rights situation to Geneva. The 14 reports focus on increasing violence against environmentalists and human rights activists, the adverse health effects of mercury – especially concerning Indigenous women – and the consequences of large-scale logging and uncontrolled forest fires. The initiative was coordinated by the “Comunidad de Derechos Humanos”, the Bolivian society for human rights. “The Periodic Review is an important mechanism for the civil society. However, its impact is limited if the Bolivian government continues to ignore the alarming findings,” Königshausen said. Susana Saveedra of the Bolivian human rights organization “Fundación Construir” – which has its office in La Paz, the capital of the country – summarizes the reports as follows: “The Bolivian state failed to follow the recommendations of the civil society. Instead, it enacted unconstitutional regulations in favor of mining, hydropower projects, animal agriculture, and monoculture farming in Indigenous territories and protected areas.”

The STP appealed to the Bolivian government to abide to the constitution and international obligations and to take measures against environmental destruction, violence, and impunity. The protection of human rights and the environment must no longer remain mere lip service. “In the scope of bilateral cooperation, Germany should call for consistent measures to uphold the rule of law in Bolivia,” Königshausen emphasized. “As long as exposed groups such as Indigenous peoples and environmentalists are left to their own devices, the UPR and its recommendations will be nothing more than symbolic politics.”