Bolivian government reports fourth death due to medical attention denied by blockades

The tragic death of a 12-year-old boy, unable to reach urgent medical care due to the ongoing highway blockades, underscores the devastating human cost of this political conflict. As reported by EFE and echoed by Bolivia's Ministry of Health, this incident marks the fourth fatality linked to the blockades, highlighting a critical failure to uphold humanitarian principles amidst political demands.

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the death of a 12-year-old child, due to the blockades that did not allow the passage of the ambulance in which he was being transferred urgently

The Ministry of Health's plea for humanitarian corridors to allow ambulances and essential supplies like oxygen to pass freely is a desperate call for reason. The blockades, which began in La Paz and have spread across the altiplano and other regions, are paralyzing the country. Beyond the immediate loss of life, the economic impact is staggering, with the National Chamber of Industries reporting losses exceeding $600 million.

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life is above all conflict

While the protests, led by campesino unions and supporters of former President Evo Morales, aim to pressure President Rodrigo Paz, the current situation demonstrates a dangerous disregard for innocent lives. The government, the Ombudsman's office, and the Catholic Church have repeatedly urged for safe passage for medical emergencies, yet these calls seem to fall on deaf ears. This situation is uniquely concerning from a Bolivian perspective, as it pits political grievances against the fundamental right to life and health, creating a humanitarian crisis on top of a political one.

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We urge to allow the passage of ambulances and we cry out for a humanitarian corridor that guarantees timely medical attention for all