16 Apr Call for an urgent investigation following a violent attack during the funeral of a Mapuche human rights defender in Chile, and warn of inaction by the State and influential actors in the region
Mexico City and Pilmaiquén, Chile, April 16, 2026.– Human rights organizations denounced serious acts of violence that occurred during the funeral of Jaime Uribe Montiel, werken (spokesperson) and human rights defender of the Mapuche Williche people, at the Maihue-Carimallín ceremonial cemetery in southern Chile.
According to information gathered in the region and visual evidence, a group of people blocked access to the cemetery with vehicles and attacked the funeral procession with blunt objects. Available audiovisual footage shows the use of a chainsaw against people accompanying the procession, leaving multiple people injured, including some with serious injuries. As a result of these attacks, the victims filed the corresponding complaints.
Among those at risk were Machi Millaray Huichalaf, a spiritual leader of the Williche Mapuche people, as well as family members, children, and older adults participating in the funeral.
Despite the violence, the procession managed to enter the cemetery and carry out the burial. Several members of the procession, who are also human rights defenders, report having received death threats and being intimidated with the threat of exhuming Jaime Uribe’s body and throwing it into the river.
Predictable violence that went unaddressed
The organizations emphasize that these events confirm an escalation of violence that had already been warned about to both the Chilean state authorities and the company Statkraft, which operates in the area.
However, no effective measures were taken to prevent these events. Testimonies indicate that, despite the presence of security forces in the area, there was no timely intervention to prevent the attacks and threats, a matter that must be investigated.
Potential liability for acts and omissions
The organizations call for clarification not only of the direct responsibility of those who committed the violence, but also of the potential liability for omissions by the authorities and actors with influence in the territory.
In known contexts of social conflict, international human rights standards establish the obligation to adopt measures to prevent foreseeable risks. The lack of action despite prior warnings raises serious concerns about compliance with these obligations.
They also reiterate that the conflict in the area is linked to processes of community fragmentation that have intensified amid hydroelectric projects promoted by Statkraft. This situation must be evaluated in light of corporate human rights due diligence obligations. Statkraft is owned by the Norwegian government, which implies enhanced human rights obligations for that government, compliance with which has not yet been analyzed.
They Demand an Investigation, Punishment, and Immediate Protection
The organizations demand that the Chilean government:
- An immediate, independent, and impartial investigation to identify and punish those responsible for the attacks and threats.
- Clarification of the actions of the security forces present at the scene.
- The adoption of urgent protective measures for Machi Millaray Huichalaf, her family, the affected communities, and human rights defenders.
They also call for guarantees that these events will not be repeated and for addressing the structural causes of the conflict, including the lack of legal certainty regarding territories and ceremonial spaces.
Call to the International Community
The organizations urge the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, international mechanisms, and governments—including Norway’s—to monitor these events and adopt the necessary measures with due urgency.
The violence that occurred during a funeral at a sacred site constitutes a serious violation of human and cultural rights. Impunity for these acts would send an alarming message regarding the protection of Indigenous human rights defenders in conflict contexts.