Observers and experts speak out against police violence and in favor of dialogue

Experts in human rights from the United Nations and world-class NGOs such as Amnesty International have noted there were serious human rights violations on Sunday by the Spanish police. This rejection of violence has been accompanied by calls for dialogue in many cases. The international observer missions and the MPs visiting Catalonia during the October 1 referendum have also unanimously rejected the police violence of last Sunday.

UN experts ask for ‘urgent dialogue’

Indeed, experts at the United Nations asked for “urgent dialogue” on Wednesday. “We are deeply concerned by the outbreak of violence on October 1 during the vote in Catalonia,” said the experts. They demand “that a path be found for following through with a political dialogue” and opening an investigation about the injured. “We urge that effective dialogue be restored as a first step to calming the situation down,” said the statement.

The UN experts also demand that the Spanish authorities “fully respect fundamental human rights, the right to assembly, peaceful association, participation in public affairs and freedom of speech.” The experts signing the document include Annalisa Ciampi, Leilani Farha and Alfred de Zayas.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights demands an ‘impartial investigation’

In addition, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, also called for an investigation into Spain’s police actions during the October 1 referendum. The UN High Commissioner said he is “very disturbed by the violence in Catalonia”, where “hundreds of people were injured.” He urged “the Spanish authorities to ensure thorough, independent and impartial investigations into all acts of violence” and insisted that “police responses must at all times be proportionate and necessary”.