IACHR grants precautionary measures in favor of land defender Julia Chuñil in Chile

July 22, 2025

Washington, DC—On July 14, 2025, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) issued Resolution 48/2025 granting precautionary measures to Julia Chuñil Catricura in Chile, after finding her to be at serious, urgent risk of experiencing irreparable harm to her rights.

According to the request, the beneficiary is president of the Mapuche Putreguel Community and a leader in the defense of ancestral territory in Los Ciruelos sector, Máfil commune, Los Ríos region, Wallmapu. Her whereabouts have been unknown since November 8, 2024, and her family members allege that her disappearance may be linked to her leadership role as a land defender. Although formal complaints have been lodged and search and tracking efforts carried out by State authorities, her whereabouts remain unknown.

The State provided information on the actions and search operations being carried out by various institutions, as well as on its lines of investigation into the alleged events. It stated that a dedicated search task force had been established and described ongoing monitoring, meetings, and coordination efforts, adding that the agencies involved had committed to continuing the necessary steps to locate Julia Chuñil.

The State also indicated that the relevant authorities are providing support to her family and acknowledged the need to apply the principle of heightened due diligence in view of the multiple factors of vulnerability affecting Julia Chuñil as an Indigenous woman, a rural community leader, and a defender of land and environmental rights.

In analyzing the request, the IACHR considered the alleged facts in light of the broader context and took note of the State's engagement and actions. However, it expressed concern that more than seven months after the beneficiary's disappearance, her whereabouts remain unknown, and no information has emerged that would clarify the facts. The IACHR noted that as more time passes, it may become harder to find Julia Chuñil, increasing the risk to her life and personal integrity.

In light of these concerns, the IACHR deems it necessary to adopt additional measures to urgently establish her whereabouts or fate, and to intensify efforts to locate her. Consequently, in accordance with article 25 of its Rules of Procedure, the IACHR requested that the State of Chile:

1. intensify efforts to ascertain the circumstances and whereabouts of Julia Chuñil Catricura; and
2. report on actions taken to investigate the alleged events that gave rise to this resolution and to prevent their recurrence, while keeping the beneficiary's family appropriately informed.

The granting of these precautionary measures and their implementation by the State does not constitute a decision on any future petitions that may be filed with the inter-American system concerning violations of rights protected by the American Convention on Human Rights and other applicable instruments.

The IACHR is a principal and autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS), whose mandate stems from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. The Inter-American Commission has the mandate to promote the observance and defense of human rights in the region and acts as an advisory body to the OAS on the matter. The IACHR is made up of seven independent members who are elected by the OAS General Assembly in their personal capacity, and do not represent their countries of origin or residence.

No. 144/25

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