Original article: Recortes de Kast: Masiva asamblea de usuarios PRAIS en defensa de las políticas de reparación

Massive Assembly of PRAIS Users in Defense of Reparative Policies Amid Cuts from Kast Administration

Organizations representing users of the Comprehensive Health Repair and Care Program (PRAIS), along with groups of survivors of human rights violations and various civil society organizations, gathered at the former Congress in Santiago for the Metropolitan Assembly of PRAIS Users.

The assembly was convened to discuss the current challenges facing reparative policies in Chile and to establish a unified agenda for their defense and enhancement in light of the announced cuts and restrictions by the Kast government.

Mónica Escobar, president of the Association of Users of the Southern Metropolitan Health Service, emphasized that the assembly «arises from concerns about budget cuts affecting primary and secondary health care. Additionally, there is the Finance Ministry’s decree mandating a review of 24 health programs for potential elimination, including PRAIS.»

Several lawmakers attended to express their support for the users, including Senator Fabiola Campillai, who stated that «integral reparations are not a favor from the state; they are an obligation because it was the state itself that caused the harm. This encompasses health, memory, truth, and justice, with PRAIS being the most concrete aspect of this commitment.»

Senator Claudia Pascual highlighted that «we are talking about direct victims, Chileans who suffered human rights violations at the hands of state agents. These victims include those who faced political imprisonment, torture, exile, forced disappearance, and their families, as documented in official reports and laws on reparations.»

In line with this, District 13 Representative Lorena Pizarro remarked that «the State of Chile has a significant debt to the victims of human rights violations, related to both the crimes of the military dictatorship, those in Wallmapu, and the Popular Uprising. Therefore, this meeting is essential, and it is time to start demanding that the government comply with international agreements that require advancements in comprehensive reparations.»

Lastly, District 12 Representative and Deputy Chief of the PC and Independents Committee, Ana María Gazmuri, stressed that «we are living in difficult times, and simply experiencing these moments can be re-victimizing. We still vividly remember the darkest periods of Chile’s history, and today our hearts are heavy due to many similarities.»

«For this reason, we must remain vigilant because we are witness to a government attempting to dismantle the state in a foundational effort,» warned the humanist parliamentarian.

We will continue to provide updates.