GENEVA – UN experts* today expressed grave concern over reports that celebrations and festivities are taking place at the former Colonia Dignidad site in Chile, where torture, enforced disappearances and other grave human rights violations were committed during and after the dictatorship.
“We are appalled that celebrations can take place on a site where gross human rights violations were perpetrated and whose expropriation was foreseen,” the experts said. “Since other activities of a similar nature are scheduled in the next weeks, we call on Chilean authorities to take the necessary measures to avoid revictimisation and preserve relevant evidence.”
During and after the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet, Colonia Dignidad was founded by German migrants and operated in coordination with the Chilean military to conduct arbitrary detention, torture, sexual abuse, summary executions and enforced disappearances. The bodies of victims were buried, exhumed and burned on site. It is estimated that more than 100 people may have been forcibly disappeared at Colonia Dignidad.
“Colonia Dignidad is where some of the most grave human rights violations in Chile’s past took place. It cannot be treated simply as a tourist or entertainment venue,” the experts said.
They pointed out that, in recent years, the Government had taken positive steps, including the establishment of a Chilean-German Joint Commission to address historical memory, and measures aimed at the expropriation of the site. However, in practice, efforts relating to the expropriation of the site appear to have stalled.
“We have heard of weddings and celebrations celebrated in Villa Bavaria, former Colonia Dignidad. Any use of the site must respect the dignity of victims and their relatives and must contribute to, rather than undermine truth, memory and guarantees of non-repetition,” the experts said.
“Memorialisation is a long-term process that succeeds when public authorities embrace diverse perspectives and work closely with civil society to foster participation, dialogue, and public ownership,” the experts said. “Such places provide an opportunity for society to reflect on the causes and consequences of past violence, as well as on responsibilities for the violations committed.”
They urged Chilean authorities to take all necessary measures to prevent any form of re-victimisation and use of the site that may jeopardise the collection and preservation of evidence, and ensure that the expropriation of the former Colonia Dignidad site takes place, while enabling the participation of family members at all stages and a dignified process.
The experts are in contact with the Government of Chile concerning the human rights violations committed at Colonia Dignidad.
