World

Concern at Chile's approach to Rapa Nui conflict

20:15 pm on 10 December 2010

Amnesty International says it is deeply concerned about the situation in Rapa Nui, also known as Easter Island, where land occupations are continuing.

Chilean security forces and indigenous people clashed last week over land rights on Rapa Nui, the eastern-most Polynesian culture, Radio New Zealand International reports.

The human rights gourp is calling on the Chilean authorities to ensure the use of appropriate force and not to target individuals or clans because they sought legal advice or have evidence of possible excesses during enforcement operations.

Amnesty says a number of states, including New Zealand, recommended that Chile improve its record on recognising and implementing indigenous land rights to a review by the United Nations Human Rights Council last year.