Bolivia's La Paz Declares Health Emergency Due To Blockades

RIO DE JANEIRO, June 3 (dpa) - Authorities in the Bolivian department of La Paz declared a health and humanitarian emergency on Tuesday due to shortages caused by weeks of road blockades across the South American country.

The aim is to ensure the supply of medical oxygen, medicines, food and other essentials to hospitals, according to an administrative resolution quoted by the newspaper La Razón.

The measure, initially in effect for 90 days, was justified by a critical supply situation triggered by the blockades that have been ongoing for more than a month.

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), an autonomous organ of the Organization of American States (OAS), also warned of the humanitarian consequences of the crisis. 

The body spoke of shortages of fuel, food, medicine and oxygen, and cited the Ombudsperson's Office as saying that at least seven people died in relation to the protests - four of them due to lack of timely medical attention.

"In light of the serious human rights impacts and the significant humanitarian consequences resulting from the protests and road blockades, the Commission calls on the State and all social sectors involved to prioritize dialogue," the IACHR said.

Since the beginning of May, protesting miners, farmers and supporters of former president Evo Morales have blocked access roads to La Paz and other cities. This has led to shortages of food, fuel and everyday necessities. 

The protests are directed against rising living costs and President Rodrigo Paz's economic policies. Some demonstrators are calling for his resignation.

--NNN-dpa