Chile: Student protests June 1 and June 6

Event

The powerful student union Confect (Confederación de Estudiantes de Chile) has called for a protest to take place in Valparaíso on Friday, June 1, as well as a national strike and protest in the capital Santiago on Wednesday, June 6.

On June 1, students will demonstrate in Valparaíso around the National Congress, coinciding with an address being given by President Sebastián Piñera to the parliament. Smaller protests are also likely in other Chilean cities on this day.

The June 6 action will entail a national strike by women across the country, students and otherwise, as well as a march. Participants will gather at 11:00 (local time) at the Plaza Baquedano before marching along the Alameda, the city’s main thoroughfare, also known as Avenue Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins.

Context

The marches and strike are being held to demand protocols be introduced to address sexual harassment and assaults on university campuses.

Student-led protests demanding education reforms have been recurrent in Chile over the past several years due to rising tuition costs. The demonstrations often draw large crowds and are frequently marred by low-level violence and traffic congestion.

Advice

Individuals in Chile, particularly in Valparaíso and Santiago, are advised to avoid all demonstrations as a precaution and to anticipate transportation disruptions in the vicinity of protests.