Bolivia - Social Conflict OCHA Situation Report No. 1

Ref: OCHA/GVA - 2003/0140
OCHA Situation Report No. 1
Bolivia - Social Conflict
12 November 2003

Social and economic demands together with the Government's plan for exporting national gas led to large demonstrations that caused violent clashes, especially during the week of 11 to 17 October. According to the most recent information, around 70 people died and 400 were wounded. Impact on infrastructure included damage to: roads, railroads, parks, electric posts, traffic lights, footbridges, urban and public properties and facilities.

2. The strongest demonstrations occurred in the cities of La Paz and El Alto but also affected the cities of Cochabamba, Santa Cruz and Oruro. All access highways to La Paz were blocked and access to the international airport of El Alto was interrupted. On 18 October, President Gonzalo Sanchez de Losada resigned and was replaced by Vice-President Carlos Mesa.

3. National Response

Resources from both national and local governments are insufficient to cover all the expenses to repair damage caused in relation with the demonstrations.

4. International Response

The Government of Bolivia has issued Decree No. 27233 declaring the municipalities of La Paz and El Alto as an emergency zone and has made an appeal for assistance to the international community. A meeting between the Government and the international community was held on 24 October 2003, at the Presidency, where the mayors of La Paz and El Alto presented their needs for rehabilitation activities. The President of Bolivia has requested UN Resident Coordinator to coordinate international assistance.

5. ESTIMATED COST OF REQUIREMENTS - EL ALTO

6. ESTIMATED COST OF REQUIREMENTS - LA PAZ

7. OCHA is prepared to serve as channel for cash contributions, in coordination/consultation with relevant organizations in the United Nations system. For banking details please contact the Desk Officers indicated below. OCHA provides donors with written confirmation and pertinent details concerning the utilization of the funds contributed.

8. For coordination purposes, donors are requested to inform OCHA Geneva, on pledges/contributions and their corresponding values by item.

9. OCHA is in close contact with the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Bolivia.

10. This situation report, together with further information on ongoing emergencies, is also available on the OCHA Internet Website at http://www.reliefweb.int

MAP - Bolivia: Social conflict - Situation map

Telephone: +41-22-917 12 34
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E-mail: ochagva@un.org

In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10

Desk Officers:
Mr. E. Haegglund / Mr. R. Mena / Ms. Isabel Garcia-Gill
Direct Tel. +41-22-917-3299 / 1455 / 1618

Press contact:
(GVA) - Ms. Elizabeth Byrs, direct Tel. +41-22-917 26 53
(N.Y.) - Ms. Stephanie Bunker, direct Tel. +1-212-963 87 40