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310 Peruvians remain in Russia amid conflict; families denounce delays in their return: 'Every minute counts'
๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ช Peru /Conflict & Security

310 Peruvians remain in Russia amid conflict; families denounce delays in their return: 'Every minute counts'

From La Repรบblica · (43m ago) Spanish Critical tone

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Relatives of 310 Peruvians still in Russia and conflict zones are organizing a vigil to demand government action for their return.
  • The representative for the families criticized the Foreign Ministry for inaction, stating that requests for a meeting have gone unanswered for over a week.
  • The government reported that seven more Peruvians returned from Russia with diplomatic assistance, bringing the total to 25, and is investigating four Peruvians held as prisoners of war in Ukraine.

The plight of 310 Peruvians trapped in Russia and the conflict zone is a grave humanitarian concern that demands immediate attention from our government. As reported by La Repรบblica, families are organizing a vigil to pressure the Foreign Ministry into action, highlighting the agonizing wait and the perceived indifference of state institutions.

Tambiรฉn son peruanos, no les demos la espalda. Este domingo las madres no tendrรกn a su esposo, hijo, cuรฑado, primos, nietos y sobrinos

โ€” Percy SalinasThe lawyer and representative for the families expressed the urgency and emotional toll of the situation.

Percy Salinas, the legal representative for these families, has voiced strong criticism against the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its "institutional silence" in the face of this crisis. The families' plea is simple yet urgent: they want their loved ones home. The delay in facilitating their return is not just a bureaucratic issue; it's a matter of life and death, as "every minute counts" for those in peril.

While the government has announced the return of seven more Peruvians, bringing the total to 25, this is a stark reminder of how many more remain stranded. The news of four Peruvians being held as prisoners of war in Ukraine adds another layer of urgency and complexity to the situation. Our government must not only expedite the return of those in Russia but also actively engage in diplomatic efforts to secure the release of our captured citizens.

No podemos esperar mรกs; cada minuto cuenta para la vida de los 310 peruanos que aรบn se encuentran en zona de conflicto

โ€” Percy SalinasSalinas emphasized the critical time sensitivity for the lives of the Peruvians still in the conflict zone.

From a Peruvian perspective, this situation underscores the critical need for robust consular services and swift diplomatic intervention in international crises. While Western media might focus on the geopolitical aspects of the conflict, for us in Peru, the immediate concern is the safety and well-being of our own citizens. Their families' anguish is a national concern, and the government's response, or lack thereof, reflects on our commitment to protecting Peruvians abroad.

Han pasado ocho dรญas desde que solicitamos audiencia para las familias de los peruanos en Rusia. El silencio institucional ante una crisis humanitaria es inaceptable. ยก310 familias exigen ser escuchadas!

โ€” Percy SalinasThe lawyer criticized the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its lack of response to the families' urgent requests.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Repรบblica in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.