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Bill seeks to compensate victims of terrorism in the southern macrozone

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• The initiative proposes compensation and assistance for those affected by acts of violence since 1997, despite being legally inadmissible in Congress.

Senator Carmen Gloria Aravena (Rep) presented an ambitious bill before the Commission for Peace and Understanding, focused on "comprehensive reparation for victims of terrorism in the Southern Macrozone." The document, covering events from 1997 to the present, proposes a legal framework to recognize and compensate those who have suffered physical, psychological, or material harm due to acts of violence in the region.

The bill includes compensation of up to 4,000 UTM for the families of the deceased and other reparations for physical damages. Additionally, it provides psychological and psychiatric assistance, emergency healthcare, and information mechanisms. Despite its relevance, Senator Aravena has noted that the proposal is inadmissible in Parliament as it stands, as it encroaches on the exclusive powers of the Executive Branch. However, the initiative aims to influence the government to take concrete measures in favor of the victims.

The senator, a member of the commission and representative of La Araucanía, has emphasized the need to address the State's debt to innocent victims of violence. According to presented data, there have been 60 fatalities, 1,410 injured, and 4,701 damaged properties, including homes, vehicles, machinery, churches, and schools. These numbers reflect the magnitude of the impact on the fundamental rights of those affected.

The bill emerges in a context of seeking peace and understanding in the Southern Macrozone, aligning with President Gabriel Boric's commitments to propose initiatives that promote stability in the region. Although Senator Aravena's proposal cannot be processed in its current form, it could serve as a basis for future actions by the Executive Branch.

Senator Aravena and her advisor, Pablo Urquízar, have worked to understand the reality of the Southern Macrozone, listening to the accounts of those directly affected by violence. The bill seeks not only to acknowledge their suffering but also to offer a path toward reparation and justice.

Despite legal obstacles, Senator Aravena insists on the importance of presenting the bill. With or without modifications, the hope is that the Executive Branch will take action and address a situation that has affected thousands of people for over two decades.

Photo: emol.com