Geneva, 21 October. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk raised concerns over reports of excessive use of force against protesters, including children, amid mass demonstrations in France, Belgium, Italy, Portugal and Albania.
In the Albanian capital Tirana the unrest has continued for an eighth day: protesters are using fireworks and petrol bombs, police are using water cannon, and the city centre has been badly damaged. In France the authorities are preparing a "massive" deployment for nationwide protests on Saturday.
In France the protests began over fuel and food prices, conditions in schools and the state of public services; the report does not say what caused the unrest in Tirana.
What it means: The UN has publicly warned European governments that force against demonstrators, especially children, may be excessive.
Who benefits: The statement protects above all peaceful protesters, including minors; for governments it is a signal that international human rights bodies are watching police action.
Background: The wave of protests against the cost of living in Europe began in France, where last weekend, according to Anadolu, about 550,000 people took part in 110 demonstrations.
List of sources used: Anadolu, RT, Anadolu
Artificial intelligence was used in preparing this material.
