This archive report was first published on 17 November 2019.
On November 10, former Bolivian President Evo Morales resigned and fled to Mexico after losing the support of the country's security forces following weeks of protests over his disputed re-election on October 20.
According to reports, at least 17 people have been killed in connection with the protests, including 14 in the six days since Morales' resignation.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet stated that the recent deaths appear to be the result of 'unnecessary or disproportionate use of force by the police and army.'
She expressed concern that the situation in Bolivia could spin out of control if the authorities do not handle it sensitively and in accordance with international norms and standards governing the use of force, and with full respect for human rights.
On November 15, five supporters of Morales were killed in violent clashes between protesters and security forces outside Cochabamba.
Bachelet urged Bolivian authorities to make data available on the number of people arrested, injured, and killed during the protests, and to conduct 'prompt, impartial, transparent, and thorough investigations' into the incidents.
She also called for the authorities to refrain from using the army during protests, stating that 'this situation is not going to be resolved by force and repression.'
On November 17, Bachelet issued a statement warning that the situation in Bolivia could escalate further if the authorities do not handle it sensitively.
