Violent History

In 2010, the Rapa Nui people protested against Chile's lack of recognition of the clans' land rights, poor management of their sacred sites, and lack of control over immigration to the island. These peaceful protests led to violent clashes with police. The Indian Law Resource Center helped the Rapa Nui petition the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to file a formal request to the government of Chile to protect the human rights of the Rapa Nui people. The Chilean government complied with the Commission's request and entered negotiations with the Rapa Nui Parliament on these and related matters. Negotiations broke down in March 2015, due to the Chilean government's inflexibility. By the end of the month, the Rapa Nui Parliament had begun to assume management of their own resources to protect and preserve their sacred sites and cultural heritage.