Bolivian Ombudsman urges protection for citizens allegedly recruited for Russia conflict

Bolivia's Ombudsman, Pedro Callisaya, has called on the national government to guarantee consular assistance for Bolivian citizens who are reportedly being recruited under false pretenses to participate in the conflict in Russia. Callisaya emphasized the critical need to protect their lives, ensure their well-being, and uphold their rights.

The Ombudsman's office has initiated contact with the Vice Ministry of Consular and Institutional Management, which falls under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The objective is to ensure all necessary measures are taken to identify those in this situation, provide official and timely information to their families, and activate assistance and repatriation mechanisms as needed. Callisaya stressed that inter-institutional coordination is essential for gathering reliable information to accurately assess the situation and ensure a prompt state response, grounded in human rights and victim protection.

“

We made contact with the Vice Ministry of Consular and Institutional Management, dependent on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with the purpose that all necessary measures be adopted to identify the people who are in this situation, provide official and timely information to their families, and activate, as appropriate, assistance and repatriation mechanisms.

Meanwhile, the Public Ministry is involved as two men are currently being sought by the police. Arrest warrants have been issued against them by the Prosecutor's Office, as they are accused of recruiting Bolivians to be sent to the war between Russia and Ukraine. The two individuals identified are Amador Méndez Arancibia and Vladimir Nogales Landívar. Family members of Méndez Arancibia have reportedly been detained and are awaiting judicial proceedings.

The arrest warrants were issued following statements taken from associates of the alleged recruiters. Three individuals were apprehended during operations in Santa Cruz and will face a judge accused of human trafficking for the purpose of recruitment, potentially involving religious groups or sects.

“

Inter-institutional coordination is fundamental to obtain reliable information that allows us to dimension the situation and guarantee a timely state response, with a focus on human rights and the protection of possible victims.