Deadly Protests in Chile Erupt Against the Government

Violent protests in Chile have erupted after the government announced a 3% public transport fare hike. Where does Chile stand on the Global Peace Index?

Weekly Briefing: Deadly Anti-Government Protests in Chile

Thursday, 24 October 2019: One of the most stable and peaceful countries in South America has erupted into deadly violence this week.

Reports say between 15 and 18 people have died during anti-government protests across Chile over the last week, most of which were killed in fires set by rioters, with some killed by security forces.

Protests sparked after the government announced a three per cent public transport fare hike — a harbinger of mounting concerns surrounding the Chile’s cost of living.

A mass student campaign of fare evasion then eventually spiralled into violence. An official state of emergency is in place after the unrest led to looting and setting fire to corporate buildings, as well as businesses.

Police have used armoured vehicles, water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets in response to deter the unrest, while the government has promised economic reforms, but the protests continue.

Chile Fast Facts

2019 Global Peace Index ranking:
27 out of 163 countries, showing high levels of peace
2018 Global Terrorism Ranking:
58 out of 163 countries, showing low levels of terrorism
2018 Positive Peace Index Ranking:
29 out of 163 countries, showing very high levels of Positive Peace

Chile on the Global Peace Index

• Chile’s levels of peacefulness have been consistently high. For the last five years, Chile has led the South American region as the most peaceful country, and ranked within the top 50 countries on a global scale.
• Over the last year, Chile improved its levels of peace while most other South American countries deteriorated. The country rose one ranking on the Global Peace Index to find itself at number 27.
• While the incarceration rate rose in nine South American countries, Chile was the only country in the region to show a decline.
• Chile has the highest levels of trust in their police force at 59 per cent within its region, but this has deteriorated five percentage points since 2008.