Human Rights Violations in the 2019 Social Outbreak in Chile: Progress and Challenges in Justice and Reparations for Victims

This chapter explores the progress and challenges in seeking justice and reparations for human rights violations during Chile’s 2019–2020 Social Outbreak (Estallido Social). It begins by outlining the socio-political context before and after the 2019 Chilean spring, highlighting the ongoing transition to democracy since 1990 and the difficulties in addressing citizens’ demands amid the Pinochet legacy. The second part examines the criminal behaviour, institutional violence, and human rights abuses during the five-month Social Outbreak. The chapter then reviews the justice sector’s progress and struggles in addressing state-led human rights violations and describes the reparation mechanisms implemented for victims, along with the challenges faced. The final section offers conclusions and reflections on the pursuit of justice and reparations for institutional violence victims during 2019–2020.