SEPT. 24, 2018

President Piñera presents National Agreement for Development and Peace in La Araucanía

The objective of the agreement is to reduce shortfalls and prepare the region to move towards comprehensive and inclusive development, taking account of the cultural differences that characterize it.

The President of Chile, Sebastián Piñera, and Social Development Minister, Alfredo Moreno, presented the National Agreement for Development and Peace in La Araucanía, which was reached after 150 days of dialogue and work among indigenous communities, citizens, business owners, regional officials and ten ministries.

The agreement was drafted after six months of intense work and dialogue. Its objective is to reduce shortfalls and prepare the region to move towards comprehensive and inclusive development, taking account of the cultural differences that characterize it.

La Araucanía is Chile’s most impoverished region and it presents the greatest deficit in terms of infrastructure, schools, hospitals and roads. It is also immersed in intercultural conflict.

During his remarks today, President Piñera stated: “Chile will be a more developed and fairer nation when all of its regions, and very especially our beloved La Araucanía, provide more justice and opportunities for everyone.”

The following are the main elements of the agreement that was presented today in Temuco:

1. Willingness to engage in dialogue, reach agreements and seek peace:

One element of this agreement is the creation of an environment of peace and dialogue among the stakeholders as the foundation for the development and future projection of the region. Seven measures will be introduced that benefit and provide reparations for the victims of rural violence in La Araucanía, whose safety and property have been significantly impacted. These will include the provision of subsidies, funds, mortgage loans, bank loans and social assistance.

2. Recognizing and valuing our diversity:

This effort is designed to recognize the importance of indigenous cultures and give them the formal and constitutional status that will ensure that the country’s nine indigenous groups are protected, have equal rights and do not face discrimination. A range of measures will be implemented with regard to cultural diversity, the constitutional, political and institutional recognition of indigenous peoples (electoral quota system), as well as indigenous territorial development.

3. Comprehensive and inclusive development for the region:

The goal is to implement the Araucanía Stimulus Plan to align the region’s development and social and economic indicators with the national average.

In order to achieve this, over 490 public investment projects will be implemented over the next eight years, involving total investment of US$8.043 billion in public safety, the environment, education, health, public works, housing and urban development and the economy.

 

At the end of his remarks, the President said, “for the next steps that we will take in the construction of this National Agreement, we require the willingness and efforts of all of you, civil society, indigenous organizations, universities, professional associations, mayors, legislators and every government agency. This great task can only be completed if we all join forces.”

Click here to review the full text of the agreement.