Mapuche Representative Emilia Nuyado has launched an urgent call to the Ministry of Justice and the Gendarmerie, asking for a humanitarian move towards Mapuche leader Héctor Llaitul, who is currently in Concepción prison. Nuyado requested that Llaitul be transferred to the Communeros module in Temuco prison, highlighting the need to respect indigenous rights established in international conventions, especially Convention 169 of the International Labor Organization (ILO).
Llaitul, a well-known leader of the Coordinator of Arauco-Malleco (CAM), is on a long hunger strike that has greatly affected his health. The parliament warned about the seriousness of Llaitul’s health situation, indicating that her situation could worsen if measures are not taken immediately, which would be a violation of international conventions that protect the rights of indigenous people.
As a result of Llaitul’s hunger strike, which has now lasted 86 days, he lost more than 30 kilos, as a result of which he recently entered the hospital. Nuyado expressed great concern for the relatives of the Mapuche leader, who fear for his life and well-being. “The State and the Government must respect international agreements and, if Llaitul’s health worsens, they must respond internationally for not complying with it,” said the deputy .
Nuyado called for a humanitarian move from the government, stressing the importance of moving Llaitul to the Nueva Imperial intercultural hospital for his recovery. He emphasized that this hospital has the ability to care for him according to his culture and special needs, which would allow for a more appropriate recovery.
ILO Convention 169, to which Nuyado refers, establishes the obligation of States to respect the rights of indigenous peoples, including their right to health and prison conditions that respect their culture and traditions. The representative confirmed that the State of Chile is responsible for complying with these international commitments, thus avoiding sanctions and possible consequences in the international arena.
The situation of Héctor Llaitul has caused great concern in several groups and indigenous communities. The possibility that their health could deteriorate shows the need for the Chilean State to guarantee respect for the human rights of the indigenous people, as specified in the international treaties signed by the country to him.
Representative Nuyado concluded her statement by repeating her call on the authorities to act with humanity and respect for Llaitul. “This strike will affect their physical health and that is why we want a humanitarian gesture from the government authorities,” he said. The member of parliament emphasized the importance of the Mapuche leader being able to to impose a sentence in the Communeros model in Temuco prison, which would not only allow his cultural rights to be respected, but would guarantee his physical and mental integrity during his imprisonment.
The transition of Llaitul to the Comuneros model in Temuco would not only respond to the demand for justice and respect for the rights of indigenous people, but it could also contribute to social peace and respect for human rights in the country. In this sense, Representative Nuyado urged the government to show its commitment to these basic principles, acting quickly and sensitively against the delicate situation of Héctor Llaitul.
