Summary: Statement on the Violent Repression of Political Protest

December 2019

Millions of people around the world—including students, faculty members, and other members of campus and school communities—have recently taken to the streets to protest economic, political, social, and environmental crises.
The MLA strongly condemns government forces’ violent repression of protesters and journalists during this unrest.
- We urge governments to respect academic freedom and the rights of citizens to assemble and peacefully protest.
- We firmly advise them not to respond with arrests and excessive force, which at times result in serious injury and even death.
These human rights abuses have occurred across the world, including in Ecuador, Chile, Haiti, Bolivia, Iraq, the Kashmir region of India, and Hong Kong.
- We call on these states to listen to protesters’ demands, seek productive dialogue, and work through democratic processes to effectively improve conditions.