The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child expresses its deep concern at the information received about the events that have occurred as a result of the institutional crisis in the country and that also affect children and adolescents in particular:

• The death of children during the demonstrations and the eye injuries caused to a girl as a result of the use of force.
• The arbitrary detentions of children who took part in the manifestations and the reportedly lack of legal assistance for them.
• Reports that during the protests the police response was directed towards homes where children were sheltered.
• Roadblocks and acts of violence on the highways, which have caused interruptions in interprovincial transport. Such a situation would be affecting an unknown number of children, exposing them to the possibility that they may not be able to access certain economic and social rights, including food, health and education.
• The suspension of classes in schools in Ica, Cusco, Lima, La Libertad, Arequipa and Apurimac and the risk that health services will be suspended, leaving children without access to them.

The Committee urges the State to:

1. Respect and ensure the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly of those children who participate in the demonstrations either alone or accompanied.
2. Ensure that any use of force comply with the fundamental principles of legality, necessity, proportionality and precaution, in particular, in peaceful assemblies where participants include children.
3. Conduct a thorough, prompt and independent investigation into the deaths of the two children and those who were injured.
4. Ensure that educational services are not interrupted, except in areas of high conflict where there is a real risk to the integrity of students, and seek ways to ensure continuity, for example through remote education.
5. Guarantee basic health care services for children, especially for emergency interventions and to those who had already scheduled consultations or interventions.
6. Promptly provide humanitarian assistance prioritizing those who are stranded on the roads as a result of the blockades.
7. Strengthen the complaint mechanism making it child-friendly and accessible for children who have suffered any form of violence, excessive use of force or arbitrary detention during public demonstrations.
8. Investigate the facts seeking to determine responsibilities and establish sanctions for the officials involved in acts that violate the rights of children.

The Committee will continue to closely monitor and follow-up on the situation and calls on the State to stop violence, promptly initiate dialogue and thus protect the rights of children in all circumstances.