Madagascar: UN Human Rights Chief shocked by violent response to electricity and water protests

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Monday expressed shock at the violent response by security forces to the ongoing protests in Madagascar. At least 22 people have been killed and more than a hundred injured.

The victims include protesters and bystanders killed by members of the security forces, but also others killed in subsequent widespread violence and looting by individuals and gangs not associated with the protesters.

“I am shocked and saddened by the killings and injuries in the protests over water and power cuts in Madagascar,” said Türk. “I urge the authorities to ensure respect for freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, consistent with their obligations under international human rights law.”

Peaceful protests began in the capital Antananarivo on 25 September, but the security forces intervened with unnecessary force, lobbing teargas and beating and arresting protesters. Some officers also used live ammunition.

Further demonstrations soon broke out in another eight major cities across the country.

“I urge the security forces to desist from the use of unnecessary and disproportionate force and to immediately release all arbitrarily detained protesters. International human rights law is particularly strict on the use of firearms; they can only be used by law enforcement officers when strictly necessary to protect life or prevent serious injury from an imminent threat,” said Türk.

The UN Human Rights Chief also urged the Malagasy authorities to institute prompt, thorough, independent and transparent investigations into the violence and to bring those responsible to justice.