/Users/andrea/_magisterarbeit/korpus/clean/testkorpus/41/file_25.html NN ----------------------------------------- : BACK RB TO TO THE DT FRONT JJ PAGE NN BASIC JJ INFO NN . SENT ECONOMY NN GEOGRAPHY NN GOVERNMENT NN HISTORY NN HUMAN JJ RIGHTS NNS LINKS VVZ NEWS NN PEOPLE NNS BOLIVIA NP Country NP Reports NPS on IN Human NP Rights NPS Practices NP 2001 CD Released VVN by IN the DT Bureau NP of IN Democracy NP , , Human NP Rights NPS , , and CC Labor NP March NP 4 CD , , 2002 CD A DT constitutional JJ , , multiparty JJ democracy NN with IN an DT elected VVN president NN and CC bicameral JJ legislature NN , , Bolivia NP has VHZ separate JJ executive NN , , legislative JJ , , and CC judicial JJ branches NNS of IN government NN , , with IN an DT attorney NN general NN independent JJ of IN all DT three CD . SENT President NP Jorge NP Quiroga NP of IN the DT Nationalist JJ Democratic NP Action NP Party NP took VVD office NN in IN August NP after IN President NP Hugo NP Banzer NP Suarez NP resigned VVD due JJ to TO serious JJ illness NN . SENT The DT governing VVG coalition NN controls NNS both CC houses NNS of IN the DT legislature NN , , holding VVG 19 CD of IN 27 CD seats NNS in IN the DT Senate NP and CC 66 CD of IN 130 CD seats NNS in IN the DT Chamber NP of IN Deputies NPS . SENT Coalition NN members NNS hold VVP the DT top JJ leadership NN positions NNS in IN both DT chambers NNS . SENT The DT executive NN and CC legislative JJ branches NNS suffer VVP from IN corruption NN and CC inefficiency NN to TO some DT extent NN . SENT The DT judiciary NN , , while IN generally RB independent JJ , , also RB is VBZ corrupt JJ and CC inefficient JJ . SENT The DT National NP Police NNS have VHP primary JJ responsibility NN for IN internal JJ security NN , , but CC military JJ forces NNS can MD be VB called VVN upon RP for IN help NN in IN critical JJ situations NNS , , and CC this DT occurred VVD during IN the DT year NN . SENT The DT Judicial NP Technical NP Police NP PTJ NP conduct NN investigations NNS for IN common JJ crimes NNS cases NNS that WDT do VVP not RB involve VV narcotics NNS . SENT The DT police NNS provide VVP security NN for IN coca NN eradication NN work NN crews NNS in IN the DT Chapare NP region NN , , a DT tropical JJ area NN where WRB illegal JJ coca NN is VBZ grown VVN . SENT The DT Special JJ Counternarcotics NP Force NP FELCN NP , , including VVG the DT Mobile NP Rural NP Patrol NN Unit NN UMOPAR NN , , is VBZ dedicated VVN to TO antinarcotics NN enforcement NN . SENT Civilian JJ authorities NNS generally RB maintain VVP effective JJ control NN over IN the DT security NN forces NNS . SENT however RB , , some DT members NNS of IN these DT forces NNS committed VVD human JJ rights NNS abuses NNS . SENT The DT country NN has VHZ a DT population NN of IN approximately RB 8 CD . SENT 15 CD million CD . SENT The DT country NN has VHZ extensive JJ poverty NN , , and CC many JJ citizens NNS lack VVP access NN to TO such JJ basic JJ services NNS as IN potable JJ water NN , , sewage NN , , electricity NN , , and CC primary JJ health NN care NN . SENT Per IN capita NN gross JJ domestic JJ product NN GDP NP declined VVD to TO approximately RB 965 CD . SENT According VVG to TO the DT World NP Bank NP , , between IN 1993 CD and CC 1999 CD , , approximately RB 67 CD percent NN of IN the DT population NN lived VVD below IN the DT poverty NN line NN . SENT The DT country NN is VBZ rich JJ in IN minerals NNS and CC hydrocarbons NNS , , and CC extensive JJ development NN investments NNS in IN natural JJ gas NN are VBP expected VVN to TO form VV a DT basis NN for IN strong JJ GDP NP growth NN in IN the DT future NN . SENT However RB , , most JJS workers NNS engage VVP in IN traditional JJ agriculture NN , , and CC many JJ citizens NNS remain VVP barely RB linked VVN to TO the DT cash NN economy NN . SENT The DT Government NP generally RB respected VVD the DT human JJ rights NNS of IN its PP$ citizens NNS . SENT however RB , , problems NNS remain VVP in IN certain JJ areas NNS . SENT Legal JJ and CC institutional JJ deficiencies NNS prevented VVD the DT full JJ protection NN of IN citizens NNS rights NNS . SENT Security NN forces NNS killed VVD 11 CD protesters NNS during IN violent JJ demonstrations NNS during IN the DT year NN . SENT There EX were VBD a DT number NN of IN allegations NNS of IN torture VVP by IN the DT police NN and CC security NN forces NNS , , although IN none NN were VBD confirmed VVN independently RB . SENT There EX were VBD credible JJ reports NNS of IN abuses NNS by IN police NNS , , including VVG use NN of IN excessive JJ force NN , , petty JJ theft NN , , extortion NN , , and CC improper JJ arrests NNS . SENT Investigations NNS of IN alleged JJ official NN abuses NNS were VBD slow JJ . SENT Prison NN conditions NNS are VBP harsh JJ , , and CC violence NN in IN prisons NNS is VBZ a DT problem NN . SENT At IN times NNS police NNS arbitrarily RB arrested VVN and CC detained VVN persons NNS . SENT Denial NN of IN justice NN through IN prolonged JJ detention NN due JJ to TO antiquated JJ procedures NNS and CC inefficiency NN and CC corruption NN in IN the DT judicial JJ system NN remained VVD a DT serious JJ problem NN , , although IN this DT began VVD to TO change VV with IN the DT full JJ implementation NN in IN May NP of IN the DT new JJ Code NP of IN Criminal NP Procedures NNS CCP NP . SENT In IN March NP the DT Government NN also RB enacted VVN a DT new JJ Public NP Ministry NP Law NP to TO adapt VV the DT prosecutorial JJ function NN of IN the DT judicial JJ system NN to TO the DT requirements NNS of IN the DT CCP NP . SENT There EX were VBD reports NNS that IN the DT Government NN infringed VVN on IN citizens NNS property NN rights NNS and CC attempted VVD to TO intimidate VV the DT media NNS . SENT Security NP forces VVZ injured JJ hundreds NNS of IN protesters NNS during IN the DT year NN . SENT Other JJ problems NNS included VVD domestic JJ violence NN and CC discrimination NN against IN women NNS , , abuse NN of IN children NNS , , discrimination NN against IN and CC abuse NN of IN indigenous JJ people NNS , , discrimination NN against IN Afro NP Bolivians NNS , , child NN labor NN , , inhuman JJ working VVG conditions NNS in IN the DT mining NN industry NN , , and CC trafficking NN in IN persons NNS . SENT RESPECT NN FOR IN HUMAN JJ RIGHTS NNS Section NN 1 CD Respect NN for IN the DT Integrity NN of IN the DT Person NP , , Including VVG Freedom NP From IN . SENT a DT . SENT Arbitrary JJ or CC Unlawful JJ Deprivation NN of IN Life NP There EX were VBD no DT reports NNS of IN politically RB motivated VVN killings NNS committed VVN by IN government NN agents NNS . SENT however RB , , 1 CD person NN died VVD while IN in IN police NN custody NN , , and CC security NN forces NNS killed VVD 11 CD protesters NNS during IN violent JJ demonstrations NNS during IN the DT year NN . SENT On IN February NP 17 CD , , Richard NP Cordoba NP died VVD as IN a DT result NN of IN asphyxiation NN through IN hanging VVG while IN in IN police NN custody NN in IN Cochabamba NP . SENT The DT PTJ NP investigated VVD , , and CC the DT authorities NNS charged VVN at IN least JJS five CD police NN officers NNS for IN their PP$ alleged JJ involvement NN in IN the DT death NN . SENT Legal JJ proceedings NNS against IN the DT officers NNS were VBD pending VVG at IN year's JJ end NN . SENT On IN April NP 24 CD , , two CD civilians NNS were VBD killed VVN following VVG confrontations NNS between IN security NN forces NNS and CC striking JJ transport NN workers NNS . SENT Daniel NP Vela NP Cuba NP , , a DT driver NN , , died VVD after IN allegedly RB being VBG hit VVN in IN the DT head NN by IN a DT tear VV gas NN canister NN fired VVN by IN police NNS during IN a DT protest NN by IN striking JJ transport NN workers NNS in IN El NP Alto NP see VVP Sections NNS 2 CD . SENT b SYM . SENT and CC 6 CD . SENT a DT . SENT . SENT According VVG to TO an DT autopsy NN , , he PP died VVD of IN head NN trauma NN , , but CC the DT investigation NN has VHZ not RB determined VVN who WP was VBD responsible JJ . SENT In IN La NP Paz NP , , 89 CD year NN old JJ Antonia NP Mamani NP de NP Apaza NP died VVD , , allegedly RB due JJ to TO inhalation NN of IN tear VV gas NN fired VVN by IN police NNS during IN a DT transport NN workers NNS protest NN see VVP Section NP 2 CD . SENT b SYM . SENT . SENT Investigations NNS into IN both DT deaths NNS were VBD pending VVG at IN year's JJ end NN . SENT On IN June NP 27 CD , , Severo NP Manani NP Poma NP was VBD killed VVN by IN gunfire NN during IN a DT clash NN between IN security NN forces NNS and CC demonstrators NNS near IN the DT town NN of IN Quella NP Quella NP . SENT Also RB on IN June NP 27 CD , , protester NN Isabel NP Quispe NP Machaca NP was VBD injured VVN in IN clashes NNS with IN security NN forces NNS near IN the DT town NN of IN Patamanta NP . SENT she PP died VVD on IN June NP 29 CD . SENT Investigations NNS were VBD pending VVG at IN year's JJ end NN . SENT Initial JJ accounts NNS of IN the DT incident NN indicate VVP that IN security NN forces NNS fired VVD the DT shots NNS that WDT killed VVD Manani NP Poma NP and CC Quispe NP Machaca NP . SENT On IN September NP 27 CD , , a DT group NN of IN approximately RB 200 CD protesters NNS accompanied VVN by IN journalists NNS attempted VVN to TO occupy VV a DT camp NN for IN coca NN eradication NN work NN crews NNS near IN Loma NP Alta NP in IN the DT Chapare NP . SENT After IN protesters NNS refused VVD orders NNS to TO halt VV their PP$ advance NN , , security NN forces NNS used VVD tear VV gas NN to TO disperse VV the DT crowd NN . SENT Security NN forces NNS then RB fired VVD shots NNS from IN the DT camp NN striking VVG Ramon NP Perez NP , , who WP later RBR died VVN while IN being VBG evacuated VVN to TO Chimore NP . SENT An DT investigation NN was VBD pending VVG at IN year's JJ end NN . SENT On IN August NP 23 CD , , the DT Government NP signed VVD an DT agreement NN with IN the DT Sole NP Confederation NP of IN Bolivian JJ Campesino NN Workers NP CSUTCB NP that WDT committed VVD the DT Government NN to TO investigate VV and CC identify VV those DT responsible JJ for IN civilian JJ deaths NNS and CC injuries NNS in IN clashes NNS with IN security NN forces NNS in IN April NP and CC September NP 2000 CD and CC in IN June NP and CC July NP 2001 CD . SENT The DT August NP 23 CD agreement NN augmented JJ compensation NN for IN civilian JJ deaths NNS to TO 7 CD , , 700 CD 50 CD , , 000 CD bolivianos NNS to TO the DT family NN of IN each DT civilian JJ killed VVN and CC also RB included VVD compensation NN for IN those DT injured VVN in IN the DT clashes NNS . SENT This DT agreement NN supplemented VVD an DT October NP 2000 CD agreement NN between IN the DT Government NP and CC the DT CSUTCB NP in IN which WDT the DT Government NN agreed VVD to TO pay VV all DT medical JJ costs NNS , , as RB well RB as IN compensation NN up RB to TO 1 CD , , 575 CD 10 CD , , 000 CD bolivianos NNS to TO those DT injured JJ and CC to TO the DT families NNS of IN civilians NNS killed VVN in IN the DT violent JJ disturbances NNS in IN April NP , , September NP , , and CC October NP 2000 CD . SENT At IN year's JJ end NN , , civilians NNS injured VVN and CC the DT families NNS of IN civilians NNS killed VVD had VHD received VVN at IN least JJS partial JJ compensation NN . SENT On IN October NP 16 CD , , Nilda NP Escobar NP Aguilar NP was VBD killed VVN near IN Los NP Amigos NNS , , Central NP Isarzama NP in IN the DT Chapare NP , , when WRB she PP apparently RB was VBD struck VVN in IN the DT head NN by IN accident NN with IN a DT tear VV gas NN canister NN during IN a DT clash NN between IN demonstrators NNS and CC security NN forces NNS . SENT On IN November NP 15 CD , , 3 CD protesters NNS Maximo NP Rojas NP , , Abel NP Orozco NP , , and CC Claudio NP Quiroga NP Herrera NP were VBD killed VVN and CC more JJR than IN 13 CD were VBD injured VVN 3 CD seriously RB in IN violent JJ clashes NNS with IN security NN forces NNS near IN Senda NP Six CD in IN the DT Chapare NP . SENT According VVG to TO the DT Government NP , , the DT incident NN began VVD when WRB an DT army NN vehicle NN stopped VVD due JJ to TO a DT blockade NN on IN the DT main JJ road NN . SENT After IN the DT security NN forces NNS dismounted VVD they PP allegedly RB were VBD attacked VVN by IN a DT sniper NN which WDT had VHD happened VVN several JJ times NNS in IN the DT previous JJ few JJ weeks NNS . SENT A DT crowd NN of IN demonstrators NNS formed VVN around IN the DT security NN forces NNS . SENT Because IN of IN adverse JJ wind NN conditions NNS , , the DT security NN forces NNS fired VVD warning VVG shots NNS into IN the DT air NN instead RB of IN tear VV gas NN . SENT The DT warning NN shots NNS apparently RB failed VVD to TO dissuade VV the DT demonstrators NNS , , who WP moved VVD closer RBR to TO the DT troops NNS and CC , , in IN one CD case NN , , attempted VVD to TO wrestle VV a DT rifle NN from IN a DT soldier NN . SENT The DT security NN forces NNS , , following VVG training NN doctrine NN , , then RB fired VVN at IN the DT protesters NNS feet NNS . SENT The DT Government NN believes VVZ that IN several JJ bullets NNS may MD have VH ricocheted VVN and CC struck VVN the DT demonstrators NNS , , causing VVG the DT deaths NNS and CC injuries NNS . SENT Human JJ rights NNS organizations NNS disputed VVD the DT Government's NP version NN of IN events NNS , , and CC investigations NNS continued VVN at IN year's JJ end NN . SENT On IN November NP 20 CD , , security NN forces NNS and CC demonstrators NNS trying VVG to TO establish VV roadblocks NNS engaged VVN in IN a DT major JJ confrontation NN in IN the DT town NN of IN Sinahota NP in IN the DT Chapare NP . SENT Soldiers NNS reportedly RB first RB fired VVN in IN the DT air NN as IN demonstrators NNS approached VVD throwing VVG stones NNS and CC then RB surrounding VVG the DT military JJ contingent NN . SENT A DT member NN of IN the DT crowd NN allegedly RB tried VVD to TO take VV a DT soldier's JJ weapon NN . SENT Some DT soldiers NNS then RB apparently RB fired VVN at IN the DT demonstrators NNS , , hitting VVG one CD demonstrator NN in IN the DT leg NN and CC fatally RB wounding VVG a DT second NN , , Andres NP Aguilar NP Condori NP . SENT On IN December NP 6 CD , , a DT group NN of IN campesinos NNS belonging VVG to TO the DT Chimore NP Coca NP Growers NNS Federation NP attempted VVD to TO block VV the DT main JJ road NN in IN Chimore NP the DT Cochabamba NP Santa NP Cruz NP highway NN . SENT Members NNS of IN the DT army's NP Chapare NP Expeditionary JJ Force NP attempted VVD to TO clear VV the DT road NN . SENT As IN the DT crowd NN grew VVD larger JJR , , additional JJ security NN forces NNS were VBD called VVN in IN , , and CC police NNS supporting VVG the DT operation NN used VVD tear VV gas NN in IN an DT effort NN to TO disperse VV the DT crowd NN . SENT In IN an DT ensuing VVG confrontation NN , , a DT soldier NN shot VVD two CD civilians NNS , , hitting VVG one CD in IN the DT ankle NN and CC badly RB wounding VVG the DT other JJ , , Casimiro NP Huanca NP , , the DT main JJ cocalero NN leader NN of IN the DT Chimore NP Federation NP . SENT Illegal JJ coca NN growers NNS alleged VVN that IN Huanca NP then RB was VBD shot VVN again RB by IN security NN forces NNS while IN lying VVG wounded VVN . SENT Huanca NP died VVD shortly RB thereafter RB at IN the DT Chimore NP hospital NN . SENT The DT Government NN began VVD civilian JJ and CC military JJ investigations NNS of IN the DT incident NN . SENT On IN December NP 11 CD , , security NN forces NNS and CC squatters NNS clashed VVN near IN Yapacani NP . SENT Dozens NNS of IN police NNS and CC squatters NNS reportedly RB were VBD injured VVN , , and CC one CD civilian JJ , , Jose NP Luis NP Velazquez NP , , was VBD killed VVN by IN a DT gunshot NN . SENT Local JJ police NNS told VVD the DT press NN that IN they PP were VBD attacked VVN while IN attempting VVG to TO lift VV a DT blockade NN . SENT A DT relative NN said VVD Velazquez NP was VBD not RB involved VVN in IN the DT protests NNS . SENT On IN November NP 9 CD , , seven CD persons NNS were VBD killed VVN in IN violent JJ clashes NNS between IN landless JJ campesinos NNS peasants NNS and CC small JJ landowners NNS in IN Pananti NP near IN the DT southern JJ Bolivian JJ city NN of IN Yacuiba NP , , in IN the DT Department NP of IN Tarija NP bordering VVG on IN Argentina NP . SENT Another DT 20 CD persons NNS were VBD injured VVN mostly RB with IN bullet NN wounds NNS . SENT the DT authorities NNS arrested VVN 9 CD campesinos NNS and CC 5 CD landowners NNS . SENT Police NNS were VBD searching VVG for IN at IN least JJS three CD others NNS at IN year's JJ end NN . SENT On IN December NP 21 CD , , a DT car NN bomb NN exploded VVD about RB 10 CD yards NNS in IN front NN of IN the DT Bolivian JJ National NP Police NP headquarters NN building NN in IN Santa NP Cruz NP , , the DT country's NNS second JJ largest JJS city NN . SENT The DT bomb NN killed VVD one CD person NN , , and CC flying VVG glass NN wounded VVN many JJ others NNS . SENT Following VVG the DT attack NN , , there EX were VBD claims NNS of IN responsibility NN from IN callers NNS claiming VVG to TO be VB Shining VVG Path NN terrorists NNS and CC from IN a DT previously RB unknown JJ indigenous JJ organization NN calling VVG itself PP The DT Group NP for IN Better JJR Days NNS for IN Bolivia NP . SENT The DT police NNS suspect VVP the DT involvement NN of IN citizens NNS , , as RB well RB as IN Peruvians NNS who WP have VHP received VVN training NN from IN Shining VVG Path NN terrorists NNS . SENT The DT BNP NP arrested VVD a DT number NN of IN Bolivian JJ and CC Peruvian JJ suspects NNS . SENT Politically RB motivated VVN violence NN between IN rival JJ factions NNS at IN the DT January NP convention NN of IN the DT CSUTCB NP in IN Oruro NP led VVD to TO the DT death NN of IN Francisco NP Miranda NP and CC serious JJ injuries NNS to TO several JJ others NNS . SENT There EX were VBD several JJ deaths NNS due JJ to TO violence NN in IN the DT prisons NNS during IN the DT year NN see VVP Section NP 1 CD . SENT c SYM . SENT . SENT In IN September NP and CC October NP 2000 CD , , violent JJ demonstrations NNS by IN illegal JJ coca NN growers NNS in IN the DT Chapare NP , , urban JJ and CC rural JJ teachers NNS unions NNS , , antiglobalization NN protesters NNS , , and CC indigenous JJ farmers NNS in IN the DT highlands NNS resulted VVD in IN the DT deaths NNS of IN up RB to TO 10 CD civilians NNS . SENT approximately RB 180 CD civilians NNS were VBD injured VVN . SENT At IN least JJS three CD of IN these DT deaths NNS were VBD not RB plausibly RB attributable JJ to TO the DT security NN forces NNS . SENT In IN addition NN , , four CD security NN officials NNS and CC the DT spouse NN of IN one CD security NN official NN disappeared VVD in IN the DT Chapare NP during IN the DT disturbances NNS and CC later RBR were VBD found VVN tortured VVN and CC killed VVN . SENT Another DT security NN official NN is VBZ missing JJ and CC presumed JJ dead NN . SENT The DT Government NN believes VVZ that DT illegal JJ coca NN growers NNS led VVN by IN Evo NP Morales NP were VBD responsible JJ for IN the DT deaths NNS of IN the DT security NN officials NNS in IN the DT Chapare NP , , but CC investigations NNS continued VVN at IN year's JJ end NN . SENT In IN April NP 2000 CD , , then RB President NP Banzer NP declared VVD a DT state NN of IN siege NN when WRB violent JJ demonstrations NNS and CC road NN blockages NNS in IN Cochabamba NP , , combined VVN with IN unrelated JJ protests NNS across IN the DT country NN , , brought VVD commerce NN to TO a DT virtual JJ halt NN . SENT In IN the DT days NNS that WDT followed VVD the DT declaration NN , , there EX were VBD violent JJ clashes NNS between IN security NN forces NNS and CC demonstrators NNS that WDT resulted VVD in IN deaths NNS and CC injuries NNS . SENT It PP appears VVZ likely RB that IN security NN forces NNS killed VVN at IN least JJS three CD of IN the DT four CD civilians NNS who WP died VVD during IN the DT demonstrations NNS . SENT In IN addition NN , , an DT army NN officer NN was VBD killed VVN , , and CC over IN 50 CD persons NNS were VBD injured VVN before IN the DT state NN of IN siege NN ended VVN on IN April NP 20 CD , , 2000 CD . SENT In IN August NP 2000 CD , , the DT Constitutional JJ Tribunal NN affirmed VVD the DT constitutionality NN of IN the DT state NN of IN siege NN . SENT However RB , , human JJ rights NNS organizations NNS criticized VVD the DT state NN of IN siege NN as RB well RB as IN the DT subsequent JJ violence NN and CC detentions NNS that WDT occurred VVD . SENT The DT military JJ justice NN case NN against IN alleged JJ sharpshooter NN Captain NP Robinson NP Iriarte NP Lafuente NP , , who WP was VBD videotaped NN by IN television NN news NN organizations NNS in IN civilian JJ clothes NNS kneeling VVG alongside IN troops NNS and CC firing VVG a DT rifle NN during IN the DT April NP 2000 CD disturbances NNS in IN Cochabamba NP , , was VBD pending VVG at IN year's JJ end NN . SENT In IN April NP 2000 CD , , Captain NP Iriarte NP testified VVD before IN the DT congressional JJ Human NP Rights NPS Committee NP that IN he PP had VHD fired VVN shots NNS in IN three CD different JJ locations NNS at IN walls NNS and CC buildings NNS to TO intimidate VV civilians NNS who WP had VHD been VBN rioting NN nearby RB , , but CC claimed VVD that IN each DT time NN he PP received VVD permission NN from IN a DT superior JJ officer NN at IN the DT scene NN . SENT Armed NP Forces NPS Commander NP Admiral NN Jorge NP Zabala NP told VVD the DT Congressional NP Human NP Rights NPS Committee NP that WDT , , during IN the DT state NN of IN siege NN , , soldiers NNS only RB were VBD authorized VVN to TO fire VV live JJ ammunition NN by IN order NN of IN their PP$ commander NN . SENT the DT 7 CD th NN Division NP Commander NP , , Brigadier NN General NP Jose NP Antonio NP Gil NP , , testified VVD that IN he PP gave VVD no DT such JJ order NN . SENT In IN October NP 2000 CD , , the DT civilian JJ justice NN system NN ordered VVD 17 CD military JJ officers NNS and CC soldiers NNS to TO testify VV or CC face VV arrest NN on IN charges NNS in IN the DT death NN of IN a DT protester NN on IN April NP 8 CD , , 2000 CD , , in IN Cochabamba NP . SENT The DT military JJ officials NNS did VVD not RB testify VV and CC sought VVD to TO have VH the DT case NN transferred VVN to TO the DT military JJ justice NN system NN at IN year's JJ end NN . SENT The DT case NN of IN Miguel NP Angel NP Rivero NP Siles NP , , who WP died VVD in IN 1999 CD as IN a DT result NN of IN severe JJ burns NNS suffered VVD days NNS prior RB in IN a DT solitary JJ confinement NN cell NN at IN San NP Sebastian NP prison NN in IN Cochabamba NP , , continued VVD to TO move VV slowly RB through IN the DT judicial JJ system NN . SENT Charges NNS against IN police NNS at IN the DT prison NN were VBD pending VVG at IN year's JJ end NN . SENT In IN May NP 1999 CD , , police NNS arrested VVD Peruvian JJ businessman NN Carlos NP Freddy NP Cano NP Lopez NP after IN he PP refused VVD to TO pay VV a DT disputed JJ taxi NN fare NN . SENT Cano NP suffered VVD third JJ degree NN burns NNS over IN 50 CD percent NN of IN his PP$ body NN when WRB his PP$ cell NN caught VVD fire NN under IN suspicious JJ circumstances NNS . SENT The DT authorities NNS transferred VVD Cano NP to TO a DT hospital NN in IN Lima NP , , Peru NP , , where WRB he PP died VVD in IN June NP 1999 CD . SENT The DT authorities NNS suspended VVD the DT two CD policemen NNS involved VVN . SENT one CD of IN the DT policemen NNS was VBD released VVN on IN March NP 1 CD , , and CC the DT other JJ remained VVN in IN jail NN at IN year's JJ end NN . SENT Cases NNS against IN both DT individuals NNS remained VVD pending VVG at IN year's JJ end NN . SENT In IN January NP 2000 CD , , the DT Government NN completed VVD investigations NNS and CC issued VVN reports NNS concerning VVG the DT five CD unresolved JJ cases NNS of IN civilian JJ deaths NNS during IN the DT fatal JJ confrontations NNS between IN security NN forces NNS and CC illegal JJ coca NN growers NNS in IN the DT Chapare NP in IN the DT spring NN of IN 1998 CD . SENT The DT reports NNS were VBD forwarded VVN to TO the DT Cochabamba NP district NN attorney NN , , who WP recommended VVD that IN all DT five CD cases NNS plus CC two CD others NNS be VB closed VVN . SENT However RB , , a DT judge NN in IN Villa NP Tunari NP decided VVD to TO continue VV proceedings NNS on IN three CD cases NNS and CC , , following VVG his PP$ decision NN , , allegedly RB received VVN threats NNS , , which WDT later RBR apparently RB ceased VVN . SENT The DT three CD cases NNS subsequently RB were VBD transferred VVN to TO a DT superior JJ court NN in IN Cochabamba NP in IN late RB 2000 CD . SENT In IN March NP the DT three CD cases NNS were VBD transferred VVN back RB to TO the DT judge NN in IN Villa NP Tunari NP , , but CC in IN May NP the DT Cochabamba NP District NP Court NP transferred VVD the DT three CD cases NNS to TO the DT military JJ justice NN system NN , , where WRB further JJR proceedings NNS were VBD pending VVG at IN year's JJ end NN . SENT In IN late JJ May NP , , the DT Potosi NP District NP Court NP sentenced VVD mining NN sector NN labor NN leaders NNS Walter NP Romero NP and CC Mario NP Mansilla NP to TO 15 CD years NNS in IN jail NN for IN their PP$ involvement NN in IN the DT 1996 CD death NN of IN National NP Police NP Colonel NP Eddy NP Rivas NP . SENT The DT case NN addressed VVD their PP$ involvement NN in IN organizing VVG the DT violent JJ protests NNS during IN which WDT Rivas NP and CC nine CD civilians NNS died VVD , , with IN no DT apparent JJ evidence NN linking VVG them PP directly RB to TO the DT death NN of IN Rivas NP . SENT A DT lower JJR court NN judge NN already RB had VHD sentenced VVN the DT two CD to TO 2 CD years NNS in IN jail NN . SENT Human JJ rights NNS organizations NNS and CC mining NN unions NNS protested VVD the DT decision NN and CC called VVD for IN then RB President NP Gonzalo NP Sanchez NP de NP Lozada NP , , then RB Minister NP of IN Government NP Franklin NP Anaya NP , , then RB Minister NP of IN Defense NP Alfonso NP Kreidler NP , , then RB Commanding VVG General NP of IN the DT National NP Police NP Willy NP Arriaza NP and CC others NNS to TO be VB tried VVN for IN alleged JJ responsibility NN for IN the DT civilian JJ deaths NNS . SENT The DT cases NNS against IN the DT officers NNS accused VVN of IN being VBG responsible JJ for IN the DT violence NN remained VVD pending VVG in IN the DT military JJ justice NN system NN at IN year's JJ end NN . SENT According VVG to TO the DT Government NN , , in IN 2000 CD the DT five CD officers NNS were VBD reassigned VVN to TO nonoperational JJ units NNS pending VVG the DT outcome NN of IN their PP$ legal JJ cases NNS . SENT The DT Government's NP delay NN in IN completing VVG effective JJ investigations NNS and CC identifying VVG and CC punishing VVG those DT responsible JJ for IN either DT civilian JJ or CC security NN force NN deaths NNS results NNS in IN a DT perception NN of IN impunity NN . SENT However RB , , in IN 2000 CD the DT FELCN NP created VVD an DT internal JJ affairs NNS unit NN see VVP Section NP 1 CD . SENT c SYM . SENT . SENT Unlike IN the DT previous JJ year NN , , there EX were VBD no RB reported VVN killings NNS of IN government NN security NN forces NNS by IN nongovernmental JJ actors NNS , , although IN there EX were VBD reports NNS of IN injuries NNS see VVP Section NP 1 CD . SENT c SYM . SENT . SENT There EX were VBD several JJ reported VVN cases NNS of IN alleged JJ criminals NNS lynched VVN or CC burned VVN by IN civilians NNS , , sometimes RB resulting VVG in IN death NN , , for IN their PP$ alleged JJ crimes NNS . SENT b LS . SENT Disappearance NN There EX were VBD no DT reports NNS of IN politically RB motivated VVN disappearances NNS . SENT The DT case NN of IN Jose NP Carlos NP Trujillo NP Oroza NP continued VVD to TO draw VV attention NN as IN the DT most RBS prominent JJ of IN the DT cases NNS of IN those DT who WP disappeared VVD during IN the DT 1971 CD 78 CD de FW facto FW regime NN of IN President NP Hugo NP Banzer NP Suarez NP . SENT Trujillo's NP mother NN presented VVD the DT case NN to TO the DT Inter NP American NP Commission NP on IN Human NP Rights NPS IACHR NP in IN June NP 1999 CD . SENT Security NP forces NNS had VHD detained VVN Trujillo NP , , a DT 21 CD year NN old JJ university NN student NN , , in IN December NP 1971 CD , , and CC he PP never RB was VBD seen VVN again RB after IN February NP 2 CD , , 1972 CD . SENT Trujillo's NP mother NN first RB presented VVD his PP$ case NN to TO the DT IACHR NP in IN September NP 1992 CD . SENT In IN 1996 CD President NP Sanchez NP de NP Lozada's NP Government NP accepted VVD responsibility NN for IN Trujillo's NP arrest NN and CC disappearance NN and CC named VVD those DT responsible JJ but CC did VVD not RB hold VV them PP accountable JJ . SENT In IN January NP 2000 CD , , the DT Banzer NP Government NP accepted VVD responsibility NN for IN Trujillo's NP arrest NN and CC disappearance NN before IN the DT Inter NP American NP Court NP of IN Human NP Rights NPS . SENT The DT Government NN offered VVD to TO begin VV negotiations NNS with IN Trujillo's NP mother NN , , who WP is VBZ seeking VVG the DT return NN of IN her PP$ son's NN remains VVZ and CC punishment NN for IN those DT responsible JJ , , with IN the DT goal NN of IN an DT amicable JJ settlement NN . SENT In IN August NP the DT Santa NP Cruz NP Superior NP Court NP ruled VVD against IN the DT family's JJ petition NN for IN the DT Government NN to TO pursue VV murder NN charges NNS . SENT The DT family NN appealed VVD this DT decision NN to TO the DT Constitutional JJ Tribunal NN , , which WDT ruled VVD in IN November NP that IN the DT murder NN case NN should MD be VB reopened VVN . SENT On IN December NP 26 CD , , Argentine JJ Judge NP Rodolfo NP Canicoba NP Corral NP filed VVD an DT international JJ arrest NN warrant NN for IN detention NN pursuant JJ to TO the DT extradition NN of IN former JJ President NP Banzer NP to TO Argentina NP to TO face VV legal JJ proceedings NNS for IN his PP$ alleged JJ role NN in IN the DT mid JJ 1970 CD s PP Plan NP Condor NN . SENT The DT alleged JJ crimes NNS are VBP forced VVN and CC illegal JJ denial NN of IN liberty NN disappearances NNS kidnaping VVG and CC illicit JJ association NN . SENT The DT charges NNS allege VVP that IN from IN 1976 CD to TO 1981 CD Banzer NP belonged VVD to TO a DT criminal JJ organization NN involved VVN in IN the DT forced VVN disappearance NN of IN persons NNS , , activities NNS that WDT were VBD perpetrated VVN entirely RB or CC partially RB in IN Argentina NP . SENT The DT organization NN allegedly RB was VBD comprised VVN of IN members NNS of IN security NN forces NNS in IN Argentina NP , , Paraguay NP , , Uruguay NP , , Chile NP , , and CC Bolivia NP . SENT The DT request NN was VBD received VVN by IN the DT Ministry NP of IN Foreign NP Affairs NPS and CC Worship NN on IN December NP 28 CD . SENT c SYM . SENT Torture VV and CC Other JJ Cruel JJ , , Inhuman JJ , , or CC Degrading JJ Treatment NP or CC Punishment NN The DT Constitution NP prohibits VVZ torture VV , , and CC the DT Government NN generally RB respects VVZ this DT provision NN . SENT however RB , , there EX were VBD a DT number NN of IN allegations NNS of IN torture VVP , , beatings NNS , , and CC abuse NN by IN members NNS of IN the DT security NN forces NNS . SENT Security NN forces NNS clashed VVN with IN union NN and CC other JJ demonstrators NNS on IN many JJ occasions NNS during IN the DT year NN , , resulting VVG in IN some DT deaths NNS and CC hundreds NNS of IN injuries NNS see VVP Sections NNS 1 CD . SENT a DT . SENT and CC 2 CD . SENT b SYM . SENT . SENT On IN June NP 8 CD , , several JJ police NNS and CC protesting VVG miners NNS were VBD injured VVN during IN clashes NNS . SENT On IN July NP 15 CD , , eight CD protesters NNS were VBD injured VVN during IN clashes NNS between IN violent JJ demonstrators NNS and CC government NN security NN forces NNS . SENT At IN least JJS some DT of IN the DT injuries NNS were VBD attributed VVN to TO rubber NN bullets NNS used VVN by IN the DT security NN forces NNS . SENT On IN September NP 25 CD , , a DT boy NN was VBD wounded VVN as IN police NNS dispersed VVD a DT crowd NN harassing VVG workers NNS at IN an DT eradication NN camp NN in IN the DT Chapare NP . SENT On IN October NP 4 CD , , there EX were VBD unconfirmed JJ reports NNS that IN eradication NN forces NNS in IN the DT Chapare NP had VHD shot VVN and CC wounded VVN two CD coca NN growers NNS . SENT Investigations NNS into IN these DT incidents NNS were VBD pending VVG at IN year's JJ end NN . SENT During IN the DT April NP 2000 CD state NN of IN siege NN see VVP Section NP 1 CD . SENT a DT . SENT , , there EX were VBD allegations NNS that IN the DT military NN took VVD residents NNS of IN Achacachi NP into IN custody NN in IN the DT middle NN of IN the DT night NN and CC beat VV them PP in IN an DT attempt NN to TO learn VV the DT names NNS of IN those DT responsible JJ for IN the DT death NN of IN an DT army NN captain NN . SENT The DT army NN captain NN was VBD an DT officer NN in IN a DT unit NN believed VVN by IN demonstrators NNS to TO be VB responsible JJ for IN the DT earlier JJR death NN of IN a DT civilian JJ in IN Achacachi NP . SENT A DT mob NN beat VVD the DT captain NN , , and CC after IN he PP was VBD taken VVN to TO a DT hospital NN , , dragged VVD him PP from IN the DT hospital NN and CC beat VV him PP to TO death NN . SENT There EX also RB were VBD allegations NNS that IN arrestees NNS from IN Patacamaya NP during IN the DT state NN of IN siege NN were VBD beaten VVN by IN the DT military JJ prior JJ to TO being VBG transferred VVN to TO the DT custody NN of IN the DT PTJ NP . SENT Investigations NNS into IN these DT events NNS continued VVN at IN year's JJ end NN . SENT There EX were VBD allegations NNS that IN security NN officials NNS beat VVP protesters NNS whom WP they PP detained VVD in IN the DT Chapare NP during IN the DT September NP October NP 2000 CD disturbances NNS , , as RB well RB as IN allegations NNS that IN they PP beat VVP civilians NNS to TO try VV to TO learn VV the DT location NN of IN missing VVG security NN officials NNS and CC the DT names NNS of IN those DT responsible JJ for IN their PP$ deaths NNS . SENT At IN year's JJ end NN , , the DT Public NP Ministry NP still RB was VBD investigating VVG the DT allegations NNS to TO determine VV the DT security NN units NNS and CC commanders NNS involved VVD . SENT In IN March NP the DT Bolivian JJ Permanent JJ Assembly NN for IN Human NP Rights NPS APDH NP and CC other JJ nongovernmental JJ organizations NNS NGO's NP submitted VVD a DT suit NN against IN the DT Government NN to TO the DT IACHR NP alleging VVG that IN the DT Government NN tortured VVN and CC persecuted VVN persons NNS accused VVN of IN being VBG members NNS of IN the DT Tupaj NP Katari JJ Guerrilla NN Army NP EGTK NP terrorist JJ organization NN between IN 1998 CD and CC 1993 CD . SENT The DT Government NP denied VVD the DT accusations NNS . SENT There EX also RB were VBD credible JJ allegations NNS that IN military JJ officers NNS and CC sergeants NNS beat VVP and CC otherwise RB mistreated VVD military JJ conscripts NNS . SENT In IN 2000 CD a DT military JJ court NN found VVD a DT sergeant NN accused VVN of IN allegedly RB beating VVG conscript NN Roger NP Candia NP Vallejos NP in IN September NP and CC November NP 1999 CD not RB guilty JJ for IN lack NN of IN evidence NN . SENT Candia NP was VBD discharged VVN honorably RB , , but CC his PP$ unit NN was VBD disciplined VVN . SENT Several JJ police NN officers NNS were VBD fired VVN and CC charged VVN for IN off IN duty NN crimes NNS and CC a DT number NN were VBD dismissed VVN for IN corruption NN . SENT However RB , , in IN general JJ the DT police NN were VBD not RB disposed VVN to TO investigate VV their PP$ own JJ colleagues NNS , , and CC prosecutors NNS were VBD reluctant JJ to TO prosecute VV security NN officials NNS for IN alleged JJ offenses NNS committed VVN while IN on IN duty NN . SENT In IN 2000 CD the DT FELCN NP created VVD an DT internal JJ affairs NNS unit NN that WDT reports VVZ directly RB to TO the DT FELCN NP commander NN . SENT the DT National NP Police NNS have VHP not RB yet RB created VVN such PDT a DT unit NN , , although IN a DT November NP 2000 CD presidential JJ decree NN authorizes VVZ it PP to TO do VV so RB . SENT The DT FELCN NP internal JJ affairs NNS unit NN investigates VVZ allegations NNS of IN malfeasance NN and CC wrongdoing NN , , as RB well RB as IN alleged JJ human JJ rights NNS abuses NNS . SENT Approximately RB 5 CD , , 000 CD FELCN NP members NNS , , PTJ NP members NNS , , lawyers NNS , , law NN students NNS , , prosecutors NNS , , judges NNS , , and CC NGO NN representatives NNS have VHP received VVN training NN on IN the DT new JJ Code NP of IN Criminal JJ Procedures NNS over IN the DT last JJ 2 CD years NNS . SENT During IN the DT year NN , , 410 CD policemen NNS and CC 115 CD military JJ officers NNS received VVD crowd NN control NN training NN from IN an DT international JJ donor NN . SENT The DT training NN emphasized VVD respect NN for IN human JJ rights NNS and CC internationally RB accepted VVD principles NNS of IN crowd NN control NN . SENT FELCN NN officers NNS also RB have VHP received VVN training NN over IN the DT last JJ 2 CD years NNS on IN human JJ rights NNS issues NNS incorporated VVN in IN general JJ counternarcotics NNS training NN . SENT In IN July NP 2000 CD , , foreign JJ consultants NNS conducted VVD a DT 1 CD week NN human JJ rights NNS course NN for IN 33 CD FELCN NP investigators NNS . SENT The DT basic JJ FELCN NN and CC UMOPAR NN training NN includes VVZ a DT human JJ rights NNS module NN . SENT In IN 1999 CD the DT military NN signed VVD a DT cooperation NN agreement NN with IN the DT Human NP Rights NPS Ombudsman's NP office NN and CC concluded VVD an DT agreement NN for IN coordination NN of IN human JJ rights NNS training NN with IN the DT Ministry NP of IN Justice NP and CC Human NP Rights NPS . SENT such JJ training NN took VVD place NN during IN the DT year NN . SENT Indigenous JJ communities NNS in IN areas NNS with IN little JJ or CC no DT central JJ government NN presence NN impose VV punishment NN that WDT reliably RB is VBZ reported VVN to TO include VV the DT death NN penalty NN on IN members NNS who WP violate VVP traditional JJ laws NNS or CC rules NNS , , although IN the DT Constitution NP prohibits VVZ both CC the DT death NN penalty NN and CC extrajudicial JJ punishments NNS . SENT There EX was VBD violence NN during IN the DT year NN against IN Government NP security NN forces NNS and CC coca NN eradication NN crews NNS . SENT On IN April NP 20 CD , , a DT group NN of IN soldiers NNS was VBD ambushed VVD in IN the DT Chapare NP . SENT two CD soldiers NNS were VBD shot VVN and CC wounded VVN . SENT The DT soldiers NNS were VBD not RB part NN of IN the DT Joint NP Eradication NN Task NP Force NP JTF NP . SENT On IN May NP 8 CD , , a DT policeman NN was VBD ambushed VVD and CC received VVD serious JJ bullet NN wounds NNS . SENT On IN May NP 10 CD , , a DT booby NN trapped VVN explosive JJ device NN injured VVN two CD policemen NNS . SENT On IN August NP 2 CD , , a DT policeman NN was VBD wounded VVN in IN an DT ambush NN in IN the DT Chapare NP . SENT On IN September NP 1 CD , , workers NNS associated VVN with IN the DT JTF NP were VBD ambushed VVD in IN the DT Chapare NN injured VVN by IN gunfire NN . SENT On IN November NP 20 CD , , two CD police NN officers NNS were VBD shot VVN near IN Eterazama NP on IN the DT main JJ highway NN in IN the DT Chapare NP , , apparently RB by IN illegal JJ coca NN growers NNS . SENT On IN December NP 20 CD , , unknown JJ assailants NNS ambushed VVD eradication NN forces NNS near IN the DT base NN camp NN of IN San NP Jose NP , , near IN Eterazama NP in IN the DT Chapare NP , , and CC shot VVN and CC wounded VVN three CD soldiers NNS . SENT On IN October NP 7 CD , , a DT 9 CD year NN old JJ girl NN was VBD injured VVN severely RB by IN a DT booby NN trap NN apparently RB intended VVN for IN security NN forces NNS . SENT a DT man NN was VBD arrested VVN and CC charged VVN with IN involvement NN in IN the DT incident NN . SENT Prison NN conditions NNS are VBP harsh JJ . SENT Prisons NNS are VBP overcrowded VVN and CC in IN poor JJ condition NN . SENT With IN the DT exception NN of IN the DT maximum JJ security NN prison NN of IN Chonchocoro NP in IN El NP Alto NP , , government NN authorities NNS effectively RB only RB have VH control NN of IN the DT outer JJ security NN perimeter NN of IN each DT prison NN . SENT Inside IN prison NN walls NNS , , prisoners NNS usually RB have VHP free JJ reign NN . SENT Violence NN between IN prisoners NNS and CC in IN some DT cases NNS , , the DT involvement NN of IN prison NN officials NNS in IN violence NN against IN prisoners NNS , , are VBP problems NNS . SENT Corruption NN is VBZ a DT problem NN among IN low JJ ranking JJ and CC poorly RB paid VVN guards NNS and CC prison NN wardens NNS . SENT Detention NN centers NNS , , which WDT are VBP supposed VVN to TO house VV the DT accused VVN prior JJ to TO the DT completion NN of IN their PP$ trials NNS and CC sentencing NN if IN convicted VVN , , also RB are VBP overcrowded VVN . SENT Convicted VVN criminals NNS often RB are VBP housed VVN in IN detention NN centers NNS on IN judge's JJ orders NNS because IN of IN overcrowding NN in IN the DT larger JJR prisons NNS . SENT According VVG to TO the DT Director NP General NP of IN the DT Penal JJ System NN in IN the DT Ministry NP of IN Government NP , , as RB of IN June NP there EX were VBD 7 CD , , 165 CD prisoners NNS in IN facilities NNS designed VVN to TO hold VV 4 CD , , 700 CD prisoners NNS . SENT The DT majority NN of IN all DT prisoners NNS were VBD held VVN for IN narcotics NNS crimes NNS . SENT The DT Pardon NP and CC Extraordinary JJ Freedom NP Jubilee NP 2000 CD Law NN , , an DT amended VVN version NN of IN which WDT took VVD effect NN in IN December NP 2000 CD , , has VHZ begun VVN to TO reduce VV the DT overcrowding NN . SENT The DT law NN pardons VVZ prisoners NNS under IN the DT age NN of IN 21 CD or CC over IN the DT age NN of IN 60 CD . SENT reduces VVZ felony NN sentences NNS by IN one CD third NN for IN all DT prisoners NNS sentenced VVN prior RB to TO August NP 2000 CD . SENT and CC pardons NNS prisoners NNS who WP are VBP parents NNS of IN minor JJ children NNS and CC have VHP completed VVN at IN least JJS 50 CD percent NN of IN their PP$ sentences NNS . SENT Reductions NNS in IN felony NN sentences NNS are VBP not RB extended VVN to TO prisoners NNS convicted VVN of IN murder NN , , parricide NN , , or CC treason NN , , nor CC to TO most RBS prisoners NNS convicted VVN of IN terrorism NN , , rape NN , , or CC narcotics NNS trafficking NN . SENT In IN addition NN , , prisoners NNS who WP were VBD convicted VVN of IN murder NN , , rape NN , , kidnaping VVG , , terrorism NN , , or CC narcotics NNS crimes NNS and CC sentenced VVN to TO more JJR than IN 10 CD years NNS in IN jail NN are VBP not RB eligible JJ for IN the DT benefits NNS given VVN to TO prisoners NNS under IN age NN 21 CD or CC over IN age NN 60 CD , , or CC to TO parents NNS of IN minor JJ children NNS . SENT The DT one CD third JJ reduction NN in IN sentences NNS meant VVN that IN many JJ prisoners NNS had VHD served VVN over IN 50 CD percent NN of IN their PP$ sentences NNS and CC thus RB were VBD eligible JJ for IN earlier JJR parole NN . SENT The DT law NN was VBD expected VVN to TO lead VV to TO the DT release NN of IN between IN 1 CD , , 500 CD and CC 2 CD , , 000 CD prisoners NNS by IN year's JJ end NN . SENT however RB , , there EX was VBD no DT information NN to TO confirm VV the DT number NN of IN actual JJ releases NNS . SENT A DT prisoner's NP wealth NN can MD determine VV cell NN size NN , , visiting VVG privileges NNS , , day NN pass NN eligibility NN , , and CC place NN or CC length NN of IN confinement NN . SENT Cell NN prices NNS range VVP from IN 20 CD to TO 5 CD , , 000 CD 130 CD to TO 32 CD , , 500 CD bolivianos NNS , , paid VVN to TO prior JJ occupants NNS or CC to TO prisoners NNS who WP control VVP cell NN blocks NNS . SENT For IN example NN , , in IN the DT poorest JJS parts NNS of IN San NP Pedro NP prison NN in IN La NP Paz NP , , inmates NNS occupy VV tiny JJ cells NNS 3 CD by IN 4 CD by IN 6 CD feet NNS with IN no DT ventilation NN , , lighting NN , , or CC beds NNS . SENT Crowding VVG in IN some DT low JJ rent NN sections NNS obliges VVZ inmates NNS to TO sleep VV sitting VVG up RP . SENT Although IN only JJ children NNS up RB to TO 6 CD years NNS old JJ are VBP supposed VVN to TO live VV with IN an DT incarcerated VVN parent NN , , children NNS as IN old JJ as IN age NN 12 CD live VVP with IN their PP$ fathers NNS in IN San NP Pedro NP prison NN . SENT According VVG to TO the DT Director NP General NP , , as RB of IN April NP there EX were VBD 1 CD , , 624 CD children NNS living VVG with IN a DT parent NN in IN prison NN . SENT If IN such JJ children NNS have VHP nowhere RB else RB to TO go VV , , the DT Government NP considers VVZ it PP more RBR humane JJ to TO support VV them PP in IN prison NN than IN to TO leave VV them PP homeless JJ . SENT According VVG to TO a DT 1995 CD study NN , , the DT standard JJ prison NN diet NN can MD cause VV anemia NN . SENT the DT diet NN has VHZ not RB been VBN improved VVN since IN then RB . SENT Prisoners NNS who WP can MD afford VV to TO supplement VV the DT standard JJ prison NN diet NN by IN buying VVG food NN do VVP so RB . SENT The DT Government NP budgets NNS only RB 0 CD . SENT 32 CD 2 CD bolivianos NNS per IN prisoner NN per IN day NN for IN food NN . SENT There EX is VBZ no DT adequate JJ health NN care NN within IN the DT prisons NNS , , and CC it PP is VBZ very RB difficult JJ for IN prisoners NNS to TO get VV permission NN for IN outside JJ medical JJ treatment NN . SENT However RB , , affluent JJ prisoners NNS can MD obtain VV transfers NNS to TO preferred JJ prisons NNS or CC even RB to TO outside JJ private JJ institutional JJ care NN for IN medical JJ reasons NNS . SENT Drugs NNS and CC alcohol NN are VBP readily RB available JJ for IN those DT inmates NNS who WP can MD pay VV . SENT On IN March NP 8 CD , , convict VV Jose NP Valentin NP Mujica NP was VBD found VVN hanged VVN at IN the DT maximum JJ security NN San NP Pedro NP de NP Chonchocoro NP prison NN located VVN near IN La NP Paz NP . SENT On IN June NP 4 CD , , three CD prisoners NNS were VBD killed VVN and CC three CD were VBD injured VVN at IN Palmasola NP prison NN in IN Santa NP Cruz NP as IN a DT result NN of IN violence NN between IN inmates NNS . SENT In IN June NP 2000 CD , , Brazilian JJ prisoner NN Mustafa NP Samir NP was VBD found VVN hanged VVN , , and CC Peruvians NNS Omar NP Casis NP and CC Renaldo NP Montesinos NP were VBD shot VVN and CC killed VVN at IN the DT maximum JJ security NN San NP Pedro NP de NP Chonchocoro NP prison NN located VVN near IN La NP Paz NP , , which WDT houses VVZ the DT country's NNS most RBS violent JJ prisoners NNS and CC terrorists NNS . SENT Investigations NNS into IN these DT deaths NNS were VBD pending VVG at IN year's JJ end NN . SENT On IN May NP 10 CD , , the DT Government NN inaugurated VVN a DT new JJ detention NN center NN in IN Chimore NP in IN the DT Chapare NP region NN built VVN with IN assistance NN from IN an DT international JJ donor NN . SENT The DT new JJ center NN , , along RB with IN the DT adjoining JJ old JJ center NN that WDT was VBD refurbished VVN , , has VHZ a DT capacity NN to TO house VV 150 CD detainees NNS , , instead RB of IN only RB 50 CD previously RB . SENT The DT changes NNS also RB permitted VVD the DT Government NN to TO segregate VV male JJ and CC female JJ prisoners NNS . SENT In IN June NP the DT Government NN inaugurated VVN a DT new JJ prison NN in IN Potosi NP designed VVN to TO hold VV 300 CD prisoners NNS . SENT There EX are VBP separate JJ prisons NNS for IN women NNS . SENT conditions NNS for IN female JJ inmates NNS are VBP similar JJ to TO those DT for IN men NNS . SENT However RB , , the DT San NP Sebastian NP women's NP prison NN in IN Cochabamba NP is VBZ one CD of IN the DT most RBS overcrowded VVN prisons NNS overcrowding NN there EX is VBZ worse JJR than IN in IN most JJS prisons NNS for IN men NNS . SENT Convicted VVN juvenile JJ prisoners NNS are VBP not RB segregated JJ from IN adult NN prisoners NNS in IN jails NNS . SENT Rehabilitation NN programs NNS for IN juveniles NNS or CC other JJ prisoners NNS are VBP scarce JJ to TO nonexistent JJ . SENT The DT Government NP has VHZ acknowledged VVN these DT problems NNS but CC does VVZ not RB have VH sufficient JJ resources NNS to TO correct VV them PP quickly RB . SENT The DT Government NN permits VVZ prison NN visits NNS by IN independent JJ human JJ rights NNS monitors NNS and CC news NN media NNS representatives NNS . SENT d SYM . SENT Arbitrary JJ Arrest NN , , Detention NN , , or CC Exile NN There EX were VBD some DT instances NNS of IN arbitrary JJ arrest NN and CC detention NN . SENT Arrests NNS are VBP carried VVN out RP openly RB . SENT The DT new JJ CCP NN requires VVZ an DT arrest NN warrant NN , , and CC the DT police NN must MD inform VV the DT prosecutor NN of IN the DT arrest NN within IN 8 CD hours NNS . SENT The DT prosecutor NN within IN 16 CD hours NNS then RB must MD have VH the DT detainee NN released VVN under IN bail NN or CC ask VV a DT court NN to TO continue VV to TO hold VV the DT detainee NN in IN jail NN until IN trial NN . SENT A DT detainee NN may MD not RB be VB held VVN for IN more JJR than IN 24 CD hours NNS without IN court NN approval NN . SENT However RB , , there EX were VBD credible JJ reports NNS that IN these DT legal JJ safeguards NNS were VBD violated VVN in IN some DT cases NNS . SENT Denial NN of IN justice NN through IN prolonged JJ detention NN remains VVZ a DT serious JJ ongoing JJ problem NN , , although IN this DT began VVD to TO change VV with IN the DT full JJ implementation NN in IN May NP of IN the DT new JJ CCP NP see VVP Section NP 1 CD . SENT e SYM . SENT . SENT The DT new JJ CCP NN provides VVZ that IN a DT detainee NN cannot NN be VB held VVN for IN longer JJR than IN 18 CD months NNS awaiting VVG trial NN and CC sentencing NN . SENT If IN the DT process NN is VBZ not RB completed VVN in IN 18 CD months NNS , , the DT detainee NN may MD request VV his PP$ release NN by IN a DT judge NN . SENT However RB , , judicial JJ corruption NN , , a DT shortage NN of IN public JJ defenders NNS , , inadequate JJ case NN tracking VVG mechanisms NNS , , and CC complex JJ criminal JJ justice NN procedures NNS keep VVP persons NNS incarcerated VVN for IN months NNS , , or CC even RB years NNS , , before IN trial NN . SENT The DT Constitution NP provides VVZ for IN judicial JJ determination NN of IN the DT legality NN of IN detention NN . SENT Prisoners NNS are VBP released VVN if IN a DT judge NN rules NNS detention NN illegal JJ , , but CC the DT process NN can MD take VV months NNS . SENT Prisoners NNS may MD see VV a DT lawyer NN , , but CC approximately RB 70 CD percent NN cannot NN afford VV legal JJ counsel NN , , and CC public JJ defenders NNS are VBP overburdened VVN see VVP Section NP 1 CD . SENT e SYM . SENT . SENT The DT May NP report NN of IN the DT U NP . SENT N NP . SENT Committee NP Against NP Torture VVP estimated VVN that IN two CD thirds NNS of IN the DT prison NN population NN are VBP waiting VVG for IN the DT processing NN of IN their PP$ cases NNS to TO be VB finished VVN , , an DT increase NN from IN 60 CD percent NN according VVG to TO a DT report NN in IN 1998 CD . SENT An DT estimated VVN 30 CD percent NN of IN those DT awaiting VVG judgement NN in IN 1998 CD already RB had VHD served VVN what WP would MD have VH been VBN the DT maximum JJ sentence NN for IN the DT crime NN they PP were VBD accused VVN of IN committing VVG . SENT The DT Government NN continued VVD to TO address VV the DT problem NN of IN delay NN of IN justice NN by IN implementing VVG the DT 1994 CD constitutional JJ reforms NNS to TO streamline VV the DT judicial JJ system NN and CC by IN taking VVG measures NNS to TO correct VV other JJ deficiencies NNS as IN they PP come VVP to TO light VV . SENT In IN May NP 2000 CD , , provisions NNS of IN the DT CCP NP replaced VVD the DT release NN provisions NNS of IN the DT Personal JJ Recognizance NN Law NN , , promulgated VVD in IN 1996 CD , , which WDT never RB were VBD utilized VVN effectively RB . SENT Most JJS prisoners NNS still RB await VVP either DT trial NN or CC sentencing NN , , but CC under IN the DT CCP NP the DT courts NNS are VBP beginning VVG to TO provide VV release NN on IN bail NN for IN some DT prisoners NNS . SENT Judges NNS still RB have VHP the DT authority NN to TO order VV preventive JJ detention NN for IN suspects NNS under IN arrest NN deemed VVN to TO be VB a DT flight NN risk NN or CC for IN obstruction NN of IN justice NN . SENT If IN a DT suspect NN is VBZ not RB detained VVN , , a DT judge NN still RB can MD order VV significant JJ restrictions NNS on IN a DT suspect's NNS travel VVP . SENT Children NNS from IN 11 CD to TO 16 CD years NNS of IN age NN can MD be VB detained VVN indefinitely RB in IN children's JJ centers NNS for IN known VVN or CC suspected VVN offenses NNS , , or CC for IN their PP$ protection NN , , simply RB on IN the DT orders NNS of IN a DT social JJ worker NN . SENT There EX is VBZ no DT judicial JJ review NN of IN such JJ orders NNS . SENT The DT 1997 CD detention NN case NN of IN Waldo NP Albarracin NP , , President NP of IN the DT Bolivian JJ APDH NP , , continued VVD to TO move VV slowly RB through IN the DT judicial JJ system NN . SENT The DT authorities NNS had VHD yet RB to TO take VV any DT action NN regarding VVG the DT four CD police NN officials NNS accused VVN of IN abducting VVG Albarracin NP , , although IN legal JJ cases NNS against IN two CD policemen NNS were VBD pending VVG at IN year's JJ end NN . SENT The DT Government NN does VVZ not RB use VV forced VVN exile NN . SENT e SYM . SENT Denial NN of IN Fair NP Public NP Trial NP The DT judiciary NN is VBZ generally RB independent JJ . SENT however RB , , corruption NN and CC inefficiency NN in IN the DT judicial JJ system NN remain VVP major JJ problems NNS . SENT Poor JJ pay NN and CC working NN conditions NNS make VVP judges NNS and CC prosecutors NNS susceptible JJ to TO bribes NNS . SENT The DT judicial JJ system NN has VHZ three CD levels NNS of IN courts NNS . SENT Trial NN court NN , , superior JJ court NN , , and CC the DT Supreme NP Court NP or CC Constitutional JJ Tribunal NN appellate JJ review NN . SENT The DT Supreme NP Court NP hears VVZ appeals NNS in IN general JJ , , while IN the DT Constitutional JJ Tribunal NN only RB hears VVZ appeals NNS on IN constitutional JJ issues NNS . SENT With IN the DT full JJ implementation NN in IN May NP of IN the DT CCP NP , , the DT criminal JJ justice NN system NN changed VVN from IN essentially RB a DT closed JJ , , written JJ system NN to TO a DT system NN of IN transparent JJ oral JJ trials NNS . SENT The DT old JJ , , highly RB formal JJ , , and CC often RB corrupt JJ judicial JJ system NN made VVD it PP difficult JJ for IN poor JJ , , illiterate JJ persons NNS to TO have VH effective JJ access NN to TO courts NNS and CC legal JJ redress NN . SENT In IN addition NN , , under IN the DT old JJ system NN , , inefficiency NN and CC delay NN could MD result VV in IN a DT lengthy JJ judicial JJ process NN or CC prolonged JJ pretrial JJ incarceration NN see VVP Section NP 1 CD . SENT d SYM . SENT . SENT The DT CCP NP specifically RB addresses VVZ this DT problem NN by IN requiring VVG that IN no DT pretrial JJ detention NN exceed VVP 18 CD months NNS . SENT In IN cases NNS in IN which WDT a DT sentence NN has VHZ been VBN issued VVN , , but CC the DT case NN is VBZ being VBG appealed VVN , , the DT maximum JJ period NN of IN detention NN is VBZ 24 CD months NNS . SENT In IN March NP the DT Government NN enacted VVD a DT new JJ Public NP Ministry NP Law NP to TO adapt VV the DT prosecutorial JJ function NN of IN the DT judicial JJ system NN to TO the DT requirements NNS of IN the DT CCP NP . SENT Under IN the DT new JJ CCP NP , , the DT prosecutor NN , , instead RB of IN the DT judge NN , , is VBZ in IN charge NN of IN the DT investigative JJ stage NN of IN a DT case NN . SENT The DT prosecutor NN instructs VVZ the DT police NN , , from IN the DT perspective NN of IN a DT legal JJ practitioner NN , , as IN to TO what WP witness NN statements NNS and CC evidence NN are VBP needed VVN to TO prosecute VV the DT case NN . SENT Counternarcotics NP prosecutors NNS lead VVP the DT investigation NN of IN narcotics NNS cases NNS . SENT During IN the DT first JJ stage NN , , the DT prosecutor NN tries VVZ the DT case NN before IN a DT judge NN of IN instruction NN if IN it PP is VBZ a DT misdemeanor NN case NN which WDT carries VVZ a DT possible JJ sentence NN of IN less JJR than IN 4 CD years NNS , , or CC before IN sentencing NN courts NNS that WDT include VVP three CD citizen NN judges NNS jurors NNS and CC two CD professional JJ judges NNS for IN felony NN cases NNS possible JJ sentence NN of IN 4 CD years NNS or CC more JJR . SENT The DT superior JJ court NN review NN is VBZ restricted VVN to TO a DT review NN of IN the DT application NN of IN the DT law NN . SENT Supreme NP Court NP review NN , , the DT third JJ stage NN , , is VBZ restricted VVN to TO cases NNS involving VVG exceptional JJ circumstances NNS . SENT During IN the DT superior JJ court NN and CC Supreme NP Court NP reviews VVZ , , the DT courts NNS may MD confirm VV , , reduce VV , , increase VV , , or CC annul VV sentences NNS , , or CC provide VV alternatives NNS not RB contemplated VVN in IN lower JJR courts NNS . SENT Defendants NNS have VHP constitutional JJ rights NNS to TO a DT presumption NN of IN innocence NN , , to TO remain VV silent JJ , , to TO have VH an DT attorney NN , , to TO confront VV witnesses NNS , , to TO present VV evidence NN on IN their PP$ own JJ behalf NN , , to TO due JJ process NN , , and CC to TO appeal VV judicial JJ decisions NNS . SENT In IN practice NN almost RB none NN of IN these DT rights NNS have VHP been VBN protected VVN systematically RB , , although IN the DT implementation NN of IN the DT CCP NP has VHZ begun VVN to TO alleviate VV some DT of IN the DT problems NNS by IN facilitating VVG more JJR efficient JJ investigations NNS , , transparent JJ oral JJ trials NNS , , and CC credible JJ verdicts NNS . SENT The DT timely JJ delivery NN of IN justice NN also RB has VHZ been VBN aided VVN by IN the DT introduction NN , , with IN the DT assistance NN of IN an DT international JJ donor NN , , of IN a DT modern JJ , , computerized JJ system NN for IN tracking VVG cases NNS in IN the DT investigative JJ stage NN and CC in IN the DT courts NNS . SENT The DT law NN provides VVZ for IN a DT defense NN attorney NN at IN public JJ expense NN if IN needed VVN . SENT however RB , , one PP is VBZ not RB always RB promptly RB available JJ . SENT In IN 2000 CD the DT Government NN hired VVD 49 CD additional JJ staff NN members NNS to TO bolster VV rural JJ public JJ defense NN , , achieving VVG a DT total NN of IN approximately RB 167 CD public JJ defenders NNS , , legal JJ assistants NNS , , and CC social JJ workers NNS . SENT The DT public JJ defender NN program NN also RB provides VVZ information NN about IN human JJ rights NNS to TO citizens NNS and CC seeks VVZ to TO involve VV public JJ defenders NNS in IN arrest NN cases NNS at IN the DT earliest RBS possible JJ juncture NN to TO ensure VV that IN human JJ rights NNS and CC due JJ process NN are VBP honored VVN . SENT A DT program NN of IN mobile JJ public JJ defenders NNS who WP can MD reach VV the DT more RBR remote JJ parts NNS of IN the DT country NN has VHZ proven VVN somewhat RB effective JJ . SENT However RB , , public JJ defenders NNS remained VVD overburdened VVN . SENT The DT CCP NP also RB recognizes VVZ the DT conflict NN resolution NN traditions NNS of IN indigenous JJ communities NNS , , but CC not RB the DT imposition NN of IN the DT death NN penalty NN see VVP Section NP 1 CD . SENT c SYM . SENT . SENT The DT Judicial NP Council NP oversees VVZ the DT disciplinary JJ aspects NNS of IN the DT judicial JJ process NN and CC provides VVZ an DT impartial JJ body NN to TO review VV the DT actions NNS of IN judges NNS . SENT Its PP$ powers NNS include VVP the DT authority NN to TO conduct VV administrative JJ investigations NNS and CC to TO censure VV for IN malpractice NN judges NNS at IN all DT levels NNS found VVD culpable JJ of IN malfeasance NN . SENT By IN early JJ 1999 CD , , the DT Judicial NP Council NP had VHD investigated VVN numerous JJ reports NNS of IN judicial JJ corruption NN , , which WDT led VVD to TO the DT resignation NN or CC dismissal NN of IN more JJR than IN 20 CD judges NNS in IN Santa NP Cruz NP , , Cochabamba NP , , and CC La NP Paz NP . SENT One CD of IN the DT dismissed VVN superior JJ court NN judges NNS , , who WP allegedly RB accepted VVD bribes NNS from IN narcotics NNS traffickers NNS , , protested VVD his PP$ dismissal NN to TO the DT Constitutional JJ Tribunal NN . SENT In IN October NP 1999 CD , , the DT Constitutional JJ Tribunal NN ruled VVN that IN the DT Judicial NP Council NP did VVD not RB have VH the DT power NN to TO dismiss VV a DT superior JJ court NN or CC higher JJR level NN judge NN . SENT The DT Tribunal NN ruled VVD that IN the DT removal NN of IN such PDT a DT judge NN from IN office NN requires VVZ a DT final JJ judgment NN and CC sentence NN of IN conviction NN in IN a DT criminal JJ case NN tried VVN before IN the DT Supreme NP Court NP . SENT The DT Tribunal's NP decision NN dealt VVD a DT serious JJ blow NN to TO the DT Judicial NP Council NP , , weakening VVG its PP$ role NN as IN a DT disciplinary JJ body NN . SENT Nevertheless RB , , the DT Council NP retains VVZ its PP$ power NN to TO suspend VV without IN pay NN , , for IN up RB to TO 13 CD months NNS , , judges NNS against IN whom WP a DT criminal JJ charge NN has VHZ been VBN filed VVN or CC against IN whom WP a DT disciplinary JJ process NN has VHZ been VBN initiated VVN . SENT At IN year's JJ end NN , , legislation NN was VBD pending VVG to TO give VV the DT Council NP the DT power NN to TO effect VV suspension NN of IN up RB to TO 3 CD years NNS or CC specifically RB to TO establish VV the DT Council's NP power NN to TO dismiss VV judges NNS found VVN guilty JJ of IN malpractice NN by IN the DT Council NP . SENT In IN February NP a DT counternarcotics NN prosecutor NN in IN Trinidad NP received VVD death NN threats NNS . SENT The DT military JJ justice NN system NN generally RB is VBZ susceptible JJ to TO senior JJ level NN influence NN and CC corruption NN and CC avoids VVZ making VVG rulings NNS that WDT would MD cause VV embarrassment NN to TO the DT military NN . SENT When WRB a DT military JJ member NN is VBZ accused VVN of IN a DT crime NN related VVN to TO his PP$ military JJ service NN , , the DT commander NN of IN the DT affected JJ unit NN assigns VVZ an DT officer NN to TO conduct VV an DT inquiry NN and CC prepare VV a DT report NN of IN the DT findings NNS . SENT The DT results NNS of IN the DT findings NNS are VBP forwarded VVN to TO a DT judicial JJ advisor NN , , who WP usually RB is VBZ located VVN at IN the DT division NN level NN . SENT The DT advisor NN then RB recommends VVZ a DT finding NN of IN either DT innocence NN or CC guilt NN . SENT For IN minor JJ infractions NNS , , the DT advisor NN may MD recommend VV sanctions NNS such JJ as IN house NN arrest NN or CC loss NN of IN time NN in IN grade NN which WDT delays VVZ promotions NNS and CC future JJ assignments NNS . SENT For IN major JJ infractions NNS , , the DT case NN is VBZ forwarded VVN to TO a DT military JJ court NN the DT permanent JJ tribunal NN for IN cases NNS involving VVG enlisted VVD members NNS and CC officers NNS below IN the DT rank NN of IN general JJ admiral NN , , and CC the DT supreme JJ tribunal NN for IN generals NNS admirals NNS and CC appeals NNS of IN cases NNS from IN the DT permanent JJ tribunal NN . SENT General JJ officers NNS head NN both CC tribunals NNS . SENT For IN the DT permanent JJ tribunal NN , , a DT judge NN advocate NN of IN war NN usually RB a DT civilian JJ lawyer NN reviews VVZ the DT findings NNS of IN the DT advisor NN and CC may MD change VV the DT recommendations NNS of IN the DT advisor NN . SENT The DT permanent JJ tribunal NN usually RB accepts VVZ the DT recommendations NNS of IN the DT judge NN advocate NN of IN war NN . SENT There EX were VBD no DT reports NNS of IN political JJ prisoners NNS . SENT f SYM . SENT Arbitrary JJ Interference NN With IN Privacy NN , , Family NP , , Home NP , , or CC Correspondence NN The DT Constitution NP provides VVZ for IN the DT sanctity NN of IN the DT home NN and CC the DT privacy NN of IN citizens NNS . SENT however RB , , while IN the DT authorities NNS generally RB respect VV these DT provisions NNS , , there EX were VBD credible JJ allegations NNS of IN security NN forces NNS involved VVN in IN thefts NNS of IN property NN . SENT Residents NNS in IN the DT coca NN growing VVG areas NNS generally RB are VBP reluctant JJ to TO file VV and CC pursue VV formal JJ complaints NNS . SENT Section NN 2 CD Respect NN for IN Civil NP Liberties NP , , Including NP . SENT a DT . SENT Freedom NN of IN Speech NN and CC Press VV The DT Constitution NP provides VVZ for IN the DT right NN to TO express VV ideas NNS and CC opinions NNS freely RB by IN any DT means NN of IN dissemination NN . SENT however RB , , there EX are VBP some DT limitations NNS on IN freedom NN of IN speech NN , , and CC state NN agents NNS attempted VVD to TO intimidate VV some DT news NN media NNS . SENT Newspapers NNS are VBP privately RB owned VVN , , and CC most JJS adopt VV antigovernment NN positions NNS . SENT State NN owned VVD and CC private JJ radio NN and CC television NN stations NNS generally RB operate VVP freely RB . SENT The DT Penal JJ Code NP provides VVZ that IN persons NNS found VVD guilty JJ of IN insulting JJ , , defaming VVG , , or CC slandering VVG public JJ officials NNS for IN carrying VVG out RP their PP$ duties NNS may MD be VB jailed VVN from IN 1 CD month NN to TO 2 CD years NNS . SENT If IN the DT insults NNS are VBP directed VVN against IN the DT President NP , , Vice NP President NP , , or CC a DT minister NN , , the DT sentence NN may MD be VB increased VVN by IN one CD half NN . SENT Press NN associations NNS criticized VVD the DT Government NN for IN the DT death NN on IN September NP 27 CD of IN a DT civilian JJ who WP was VBD accompanying VVG journalists NNS as IN they PP approached VVD an DT eradication NN camp NN near IN Loma NP Alta NP in IN the DT Chapare NP see VVP Section NP 1 CD . SENT a DT . SENT . SENT They PP also RB called VVD for IN the DT Government NN to TO provide VV for IN protection NN and CC freedom NN of IN movement NN in IN the DT Chapare NP , , where WRB illegal JJ coca NN growers NNS often RB block VVP roads NNS see VVP Section NP 2 CD . SENT d SYM . SENT . SENT In IN February NP Congress NP passed VVD a DT Public NP Ministry NP Law NP that IN obliged VVN any DT person NN or CC institution NN , , public JJ or CC private JJ to TO give VV the DT prosecutor NN information NN upon IN request NN . SENT After IN journalists NNS protested VVD , , the DT controversial JJ provision NN of IN law NN was VBD rescinded VVD . SENT The DT 40 CD person NN La NP Paz NP Press NP Tribunal NN , , an DT independent JJ body NN , , is VBZ authorized VVN to TO evaluate VV journalists NNS practices NNS that WDT are VBP alleged VVN to TO violate VV either CC the DT Constitution NP or CC citizens NNS rights NNS . SENT The DT Government NN prohibits VVZ the DT importation NN of IN pornographic JJ books NNS , , magazines NNS , , and CC artwork NN , , but CC it PP does VVZ not RB block VV Internet NN sources NNS of IN such JJ material NN . SENT The DT Government NN does VVZ not RB restrict VV academic JJ freedom NN , , and CC the DT law NN grants VVZ public JJ universities NNS autonomous JJ status NN . SENT b LS . SENT Freedom NN of IN Peaceful JJ Assembly NP and CC Association NP The DT law NN provides VVZ for IN the DT right NN of IN peaceful JJ assembly NN , , and CC the DT authorities NNS generally RB respect VV this DT right NN in IN practice NN . SENT however RB , , security NN forces NNS killed VVD 11 CD persons NNS and CC injured JJ others NNS during IN violent JJ protests NNS during IN the DT year NN see VVP Sections NNS 1 CD . SENT a DT . SENT and CC 1 CD . SENT c SYM . SENT . SENT The DT authorities NNS generally RB try VVP to TO avoid VV confronting VVG demonstrators NNS . SENT however RB , , security NN forces NNS clashed VVN with IN union NN and CC other JJ demonstrators NNS on IN many JJ occasions NNS during IN the DT year NN . SENT The DT authorities NNS intervened VVD only RB when WRB rallies NNS became VVD violent JJ or CC interfered VVD substantially RB with IN normal JJ civic JJ activity NN . SENT The DT police NN regularly RB used VVD tear VV gas NN and CC other JJ forms NNS of IN crowd NN control NN . SENT The DT Government NN routinely RB grants VVZ permits NNS for IN marches NNS and CC rallies NNS . SENT There EX were VBD numerous JJ demonstrations NNS throughout IN the DT year NN . SENT in IN some DT cases NNS protesters NNS blocked VVD roads NNS , , and CC on IN several JJ occasions NNS protesters NNS became VVD violent JJ . SENT On IN June NP 28 CD , , protesters NNS blockading VVG the DT road NN from IN El NP Alto NP to TO Oruro NP beat VV Archbishop NN of IN El NP Alto NP Jesus NP Juarez NP Parraga NP . SENT On IN July NP 2 CD , , demonstrations NNS by IN small JJ debtors NNS who WP had VHD been VBN protesting VVG off RP and CC on RP for IN over IN 3 CD months NNS outside IN the DT Superintendency NN of IN Banks NNS turned VVD violent JJ when WRB protesters NNS seized VVD almost RB 100 CD hostages NNS and CC strapped JJ dynamite NN to TO some DT of IN them PP . SENT the DT hostages NNS were VBD released VVN early RB on IN July NP 3 CD . SENT On IN March NP 22 CD , , acting VVG on IN the DT orders NNS of IN the DT Minister NP of IN Government NP , , police NNS peacefully RB rounded VVD up RP and CC returned VVD about IN 50 CD marching VVG protesters NNS to TO the DT town NN of IN Cocachamba NP , , where WRB they PP were VBD released VVN upon IN arrival NN . SENT On IN April NP 20 CD , , the DT La NP Paz NP Superior NP District NP Court NP dismissed VVD as RB inadmissible JJ a DT constitutional JJ challenge NN by IN the DT Human NP Rights NPS Ombudsman NN to TO the DT Government NN peacefully RB breaking VVG up RP a DT protest NN march NN on IN April NP 12 CD that WDT included VVD labor NN leaders NNS . SENT After IN stopping VVG the DT march NN , , security NN forces NNS transported VVD the DT approximately RB 70 CD protesters NNS back RB to TO Cochabamba NP where WRB all DT were VBD released VVN . SENT The DT Ombudsman NN and CC the DT APDH NP declared VVD the DT court's JJ decision NN political JJ , , and CC the DT Ombudsman NN appealed VVD the DT case NN to TO the DT Constitutional JJ Tribunal NN . SENT The DT Ombudsman NN argued VVD that IN the DT Government's NP actions NNS violated VVD constitutional JJ provisions NNS for IN freedoms NNS of IN expression NN and CC assembly NN . SENT However RB , , the DT tribunal NN ruled VVD that IN the DT Government NN had VHD not RB violated VVN the DT marchers NNS constitutional JJ rights NNS because IN the DT marchers NNS continued VVD to TO be VB able JJ to TO express VV their PP$ views NNS , , and CC the DT march NN continued VVD following VVG the DT police NN intervention NN . SENT The DT law NN provides VVZ for IN freedom NN of IN association NN , , and CC the DT authorities NNS generally RB respect VV this DT right NN in IN practice NN . SENT The DT Government NN requires VVZ NGO's NP to TO register VV with IN the DT appropriate JJ departmental JJ government NN . SENT c LS . SENT Freedom NN of IN Religion NN The DT Constitution NP provides VVZ for IN freedom NN of IN religion NN , , and CC the DT Government NN generally RB respects VVZ this DT right NN in IN practice NN . SENT Roman NP Catholicism NN predominates VVZ , , and CC the DT Constitution NP recognizes VVZ it PP as IN the DT official JJ religion NN . SENT The DT Roman NP Catholic NP Church NP receives VVZ support NN from IN the DT State NN about IN 300 CD priests NNS receive VVP small JJ stipends NNS and CC exercises VVZ a DT limited JJ degree NN of IN political JJ influence NN . SENT Non JJ Catholic JJ religious JJ organizations NNS , , including VVG missionary NN groups NNS , , must MD register VV with IN the DT Ministry NP of IN Foreign NP Affairs NPS and CC Worship NN and CC receive VV authorization NN for IN legal JJ religious JJ representation NN . SENT There EX were VBD 272 CD registered JJ religious JJ groups NNS , , which WDT were VBD mostly RB Protestant JJ . SENT at IN year's JJ end NN , , approximately RB 127 CD applications NNS were VBD pending VVG . SENT The DT only JJ minority NN religions NNS in IN the DT country NN that WDT have VHP encountered VVN problems NNS are VBP Hari NP Krishna NP and CC the DT Unification NP Church NP . SENT Hari NP Krishna NP followers NNS had VHD registered VVN as IN an DT educational JJ organization NN instead RB of IN as IN a DT religious JJ organization NN . SENT The DT Government NP had VHD denied VVN religious JJ registration NN to TO Hari NP Krishna NP practitioners NNS in IN the DT 1980 CD s PP on IN the DT grounds NNS of IN what WP the DT Government NN describes VVZ as IN nonfaith JJ based VVN activities NNS of IN the DT group NN and CC has VHZ not RB acted VVN on IN a DT new JJ application NN by IN the DT group NN initiated VVN in IN 2000 CD . SENT The DT Government NN considers VVZ the DT previous JJ decision NN to TO be VB valid JJ and CC in IN force NN . SENT However RB , , Hari NP Krishna NP continues VVZ to TO operate VV with IN official JJ standing NN as IN an DT educational JJ organization NN . SENT In IN 1999 CD the DT Unification NP Church NP complained VVD of IN harassment NN by IN the DT Government NN . SENT however RB , , the DT Church NP is VBZ registered VVN with IN the DT Ministry NP of IN Foreign NP Affairs NPS and CC Worship NN as IN a DT religious JJ organization NN , , and CC there EX have VHP been VBN no RB further JJR developments NNS . SENT In IN July NP 2000 CD , , then RB President NP Banzer NP signed VVD a DT Supreme NP Decree NN governing VVG the DT relationships NNS between IN religious JJ organizations NNS and CC the DT Government NN . SENT The DT decree NN updated VVN a DT similar JJ decree NN dating VVG from IN 1985 CD , , which WDT had VHD been VBN the DT subject NN of IN criticism NN by IN Catholic NP and CC non JJ Catholic JJ religious JJ groups NNS . SENT The DT new JJ decree NN reflects VVZ input NN from IN religious JJ groups NNS and CC , , according VVG to TO the DT Government NN , , is VBZ designed VVN to TO increase VV transparency NN and CC dialog NN in IN church NN state NN relations NNS . SENT d SYM . SENT Freedom NN of IN Movement NN Within IN the DT Country NP , , Foreign NP Travel NP , , Emigration NN , , and CC Repatriation NN There EX are VBP no DT restrictions NNS on IN travel NN . SENT However RB , , on IN numerous JJ occasions NNS during IN the DT year NN , , protesters NNS blocked VVD roads NNS and CC highways NNS , , and CC illegal JJ road NN blockages NNS by IN illegal JJ coca NN growers NNS often RB restricted VVN movement NN in IN the DT Chapare NP see VVP Section NP 2 CD . SENT a DT . SENT . SENT The DT law NN permits VVZ emigration NN and CC provides VVZ for IN the DT right NN to TO return VV . SENT The DT Government NN does VVZ not RB revoke VV citizenship NN for IN political JJ or CC other JJ reasons NNS . SENT The DT law NN provides VVZ for IN the DT granting VVG of IN asylum NN or CC refugee NN status NN in IN accordance NN with IN the DT provisions NNS of IN the DT 1951 CD U NP . SENT N NP . SENT Convention NN Relating VVG to TO the DT Status NN of IN Refugees NNS and CC its PP$ 1967 CD Protocol NP . SENT The DT Government NN cooperates VVZ with IN the DT office NN of IN the DT U NP . SENT N NP . SENT High NP Commissioner NP for IN Refugees NNS and CC other JJ humanitarian JJ organizations NNS in IN assisting VVG refugees NNS . SENT The DT Government NP has VHZ accepted VVN persons NNS for IN resettlement NN . SENT although IN it PP received VVD no DT refugees NNS during IN the DT year NN , , the DT Government NN accepted VVD 2 CD refugees NNS in IN 2000 CD , , and CC over IN 40 CD refugees NNS in IN 1999 CD . SENT The DT issue NN of IN the DT provision NN of IN first JJ asylum NN did VVD not RB arise VV during IN the DT year NN . SENT After IN the DT 1996 CD takeover NN of IN the DT Japanese JJ Ambassador's NP residence NN in IN Lima NP , , Peru NP , , by IN Tupac NP Amaru NP Revolutionary NP Movement NN MRTA NP terrorists NNS , , the DT authorities NNS found VVN that IN some DT MRTA NP activists NNS had VHD used VVN Bolivia NP as IN a DT safe JJ haven NN and CC announced VVD a DT more RBR restrictive JJ policy NN on IN accepting VVG Peruvian JJ political JJ asylees NNS . SENT Nonetheless RB , , members NNS of IN the DT MRTA NP and CC other JJ terrorists NNS continued VVD to TO use VV the DT country NN as IN a DT safe JJ haven NN and CC a DT place NN to TO plan NN activities NNS . SENT There EX were VBD no DT reports NNS of IN persons NNS forced VVN to TO return VV to TO a DT country NN where WRB they PP feared VVD persecution NN . SENT Section NN 3 CD Respect NN for IN Political NP Rights NPS . SENT The DT Right NP of IN Citizens NPS to TO Change VV Their PP$ Government NP The NP Constitution NP provides VVZ citizens NNS with IN the DT right NN to TO change VV their PP$ government NN peacefully RB , , and CC citizens NNS exercise VVP this DT right NN in IN practice NN through IN periodic JJ , , free JJ , , and CC fair JJ elections NNS held VVN on IN the DT basis NN of IN universal JJ suffrage NN . SENT Political JJ parties NNS ranging VVG from IN far RB left VVN to TO moderate VV right JJ function NN openly RB . SENT Implementing VVG regulations NNS for IN the DT 1994 CD constitutional JJ revisions NNS specify VV that DT half NN of IN the DT congressional JJ deputies NNS be VB elected VVN individually RB and CC directly RB , , rather RB than IN from IN party NN lists NNS . SENT The DT first JJ national JJ election NN under IN these DT regulations NNS was VBD held VVN in IN 1997 CD , , with IN attendance NN by IN international JJ observers NNS . SENT Only RB one CD instance NN of IN tampering VVG with IN ballots NNS was VBD detected VVN . SENT Elections NNS for IN national JJ offices NNS and CC municipal JJ governments NNS are VBP held VVN every DT 5 CD years NNS . SENT the DT next JJ national JJ election NN is VBZ scheduled VVN for IN June NP 30 CD , , 2002 CD . SENT In IN August NP President NP Jorge NP Quiroga NP of IN the DT Nationalist JJ Democratic JJ Action NP party NN took VVD office NN after IN President NP Banzer NP Suarez NP resigned VVD due JJ to TO serious JJ illness NN . SENT The DT governing VVG coalition NN controls NNS both CC houses NNS of IN the DT legislature NN , , holding VVG 19 CD of IN 27 CD seats NNS in IN the DT Senate NP and CC 66 CD of IN 130 CD seats NNS in IN the DT Chamber NP of IN Deputies NPS . SENT Coalition NN members NNS hold VVP the DT top JJ leadership NN positions NNS in IN both DT chambers NNS . SENT The DT National NP Electoral JJ Court NP CNE NP and CC its PP$ lower JJR departmental JJ courts NNS oversee VV the DT electoral JJ process NN , , including VVG voter NN registration NN , , tabulation NN , , and CC certification NN of IN ballots NNS . SENT On IN May NP 9 CD , , CNE NP Justice NP Jorge NP Lazarte NP Rojas NP resigned VVD in IN protest NN against IN perceived VVN politicization NN of IN the DT electoral JJ courts NNS , , specifically RB the DT alleged JJ party NN quota NN based VVN nomination NN of IN departmental JJ electoral JJ judges NNS . SENT On IN May NP 22 CD , , CNE NP President NP Juan NP Guzman NP announced VVD his PP$ resignation NN for IN the DT same JJ reasons NNS . SENT In IN July NP the DT Congress NP elected VVD a DT new JJ CNE NP , , expanding VVG its PP$ number NN from IN five CD to TO seven CD judges NNS , , declared VVD the DT departmental JJ electoral JJ court NN positions NNS vacant JJ , , and CC instructed VVD the DT CNE NP to TO select VV new JJ departmental JJ electoral JJ court NN judges NNS and CC modify VV the DT Electoral JJ Code NP so IN that DT head NN departmental JJ electoral JJ judges NNS are VBP selected VVN by IN congressional JJ vote NN . SENT There EX are VBP no DT legal JJ impediments NNS to TO women NNS or CC indigenous JJ people NNS voting NN , , holding VVG political JJ office NN , , or CC rising VVG to TO political JJ leadership NN . SENT however RB , , the DT percentages NNS of IN women NNS and CC indigenous JJ people NNS in IN government NN and CC politics NNS do VVP not RB correspond VV to TO their PP$ percentages NNS of IN the DT population NN . SENT Political JJ parties NNS acceded VVD to TO demands NNS from IN women NNS that IN they PP be VB allocated VVN a DT fair JJ share NN of IN the DT candidacies NNS in IN the DT 1997 CD national JJ elections NNS , , approving VVG a DT law NN that IN every DT third JJ candidate NN on IN party NN lists NNS be VB female JJ . SENT In IN addition NN , , every DT other JJ candidate NN on IN municipal JJ election NN ballots NNS , , beginning VVG with IN the DT second JJ candidate NN , , must MD be VB a DT woman NN a DT requirement NN that WDT has VHZ augmented VVN female JJ representation NN to TO approximately RB 30 CD percent NN of IN municipal JJ council NN positions NNS . SENT However RB , , in IN 2000 NP there EX were VBD reports NNS that IN in IN some DT municipalities NNS party NN leaders NNS pressured VVD councilwomen NNS to TO resign VV in IN favor NN of IN their PP$ male JJ substitutes NNS , , and CC women NNS in IN three CD separate JJ municipalities NNS allegedly RB were VBD threatened VVN with IN death NN if IN they PP did VVD not RB resign VV their PP$ positions NNS . SENT There EX are VBP 21 CD women NNS among IN the DT 157 CD deputies NNS and CC senators NNS , , 2 CD women NNS among IN the DT 46 CD vice NN ministers NNS , , and CC 1 CD woman NN in IN the DT Cabinet NP . SENT Section NN 4 CD Governmental JJ Attitude NN Regarding VVG International NP and CC Nongovernmental JJ Investigation NN of IN Alleged JJ Violations NNS of IN Human NP Rights NPS A DT number NN of IN domestic JJ and CC international JJ human JJ rights NNS groups NNS generally RB operate VVP without IN government NN restriction NN , , investigating VVG and CC publishing VVG their PP$ findings NNS on IN human JJ rights NNS cases NNS . SENT Government NN officials NNS are VBP generally RB cooperative JJ and CC responsive JJ to TO their PP$ views NNS . SENT however RB , , NGO's NP and CC the DT Ombudsman NN have VHP complained VVN that DT government NN security NN forces NNS and CC government NN ministries NNS have VHP refused VVN in IN specific JJ instances NNS to TO cooperate VV when WRB NGO's NP or CC the DT Ombudsman NN are VBP conducting VVG investigations NNS . SENT The DT Government NN criticizes VVZ human JJ rights NNS advocates NNS for IN paying VVG attention NN exclusively RB to TO the DT negative JJ aspects NNS of IN the DT Government's NP performance NN . SENT APDH NP President NP Albarracin NP and CC his PP$ family NN continued VVD to TO receive VV anonymous JJ threats NNS in IN relation NN to TO the DT legal JJ case NN against IN his PP$ alleged JJ police NN abductors NNS see VVP Section NP 1 CD . SENT d SYM . SENT . SENT The DT APDH's NP branch NN office NN in IN Santa NP Cruz NP also RB received VVD anonymous JJ threats NNS in IN 2000 CD related VVN to TO its PP$ investigations NNS regarding VVG security NN forces NNS . SENT in IN 1999 CD unknown JJ parties NNS broke VVD into IN its PP$ office NN and CC destroyed VVD its PP$ computer NN . SENT The DT Human NP Rights NP Ombudsman NN is VBZ a DT position NN with IN a DT 5 CD year NN term NN established VVN in IN the DT Constitution NP . SENT The DT Ombudsman NN is VBZ chosen VVN by IN Congress NP and CC is VBZ charged VVN with IN providing VVG oversight NN for IN the DT defense NN , , promotion NN , , and CC spread VVD of IN human JJ rights NNS , , specifically RB to TO defend VV citizens NNS against IN abuses NNS by IN the DT Government NN . SENT The DT Human NP Rights NPS Ombudsman NN Ana NP Maria NP Romero NP de NP Campero NP conducted VVD numerous JJ investigations NNS and CC in IN November NP presented VVD a DT comprehensive JJ report NN to TO Congress NP that WDT was VBD critical JJ of IN the DT Government NN . SENT Its PP$ primary JJ conclusion NN was VBD that IN for IN the DT third JJ year NN in IN a DT row NN , , the DT police NN force NN was VBD the DT government NN organization NN most RBS often RB accused VVN of IN human JJ rights NNS abuses NNS . SENT Indigenous JJ people NNS filed VVD approximately RB 60 CD percent NN of IN all DT complaints NNS received VVN by IN the DT Ombudsman NN , , and CC approximately RB 60 CD percent NN of IN all DT complaints NNS received VVD were VBD filed VVN by IN men NNS . SENT The DT Chamber NP of IN Deputies NPS Human NP Rights NPS Committee NP , , led VVN by IN an DT opposition NN party NN congressman NN , , also RB presented VVD its PP$ annual JJ report NN in IN August NP 2000 CD , , which WDT criticized VVD the DT Government NN . SENT Early RB in IN the DT year NN , , the DT Government NP added VVD a DT human JJ rights NNS prosecutor NN to TO the DT Chimore NP human JJ rights NNS office NN of IN the DT Ministry NP of IN Justice NP and CC Human NP Rights NPS in IN the DT Chapare NP region NN , , which WDT the DT Government NN had VHD reopened VVN in IN May NP 2000 CD with IN assistance NN from IN an DT international JJ donor NN . SENT All DT of IN the DT human JJ rights NNS offices NNS in IN the DT Chapare NP region NN had VHD closed VVN in IN 1999 CD . SENT The DT office NN accepts VVZ and CC pursues VVZ complaints NNS of IN abuses NNS committed VVN by IN anyone NN , , including VVG police NNS , , narcotics NNS traffickers NNS , , and CC illegal JJ coca NN growers NNS . SENT Section NN 5 CD Discrimination NN Based VVN on IN Race NP , , Sex NN , , Religion NN , , Disability NN , , Language NP , , or CC Social NP Status NN The DT Constitution NP prohibits VVZ discrimination NN based VVN on IN race NN , , sex NN , , language NN , , religion NN , , political JJ or CC other JJ opinion NN , , origin NN , , or CC economic JJ or CC social JJ condition NN . SENT however RB , , there EX was VBD significant JJ discrimination NN against IN women NNS , , indigenous JJ people NNS , , and CC the DT small JJ Afro NP Bolivian NN minority NN . SENT Women NNS Violence NN against IN women NNS is VBZ a DT pervasive JJ problem NN , , but CC no DT scheme NN exists VVZ to TO register VV such JJ incidents NNS systematically RB . SENT According VVG to TO the DT National NP Police's NP Department NP of IN Statistics NPS and CC Planning NP , , in IN 1998 CD approximately RB 57 CD percent NN of IN reported JJ assaults NNS were VBD against IN women NNS . SENT According VVG to TO a DT 1997 CD 98 CD study NN conducted VVN by IN the DT Pan NP American NP Health NP Organization NP and CC the DT Ministry NP of IN Health NP among IN women NNS in IN three CD municipalities NNS representative JJ of IN the DT country's JJ three CD major JJ cultural JJ and CC geographic JJ zones NNS , , 62 CD percent NN of IN women NNS reported VVD experiencing VVG some DT kind NN of IN domestic JJ violence NN or CC abuse NN at IN least JJS once RB in IN their PP$ lifetime NN . SENT Approximately RB 21 CD percent NN had VHD suffered VVN psychological JJ abuse NN , , 28 CD percent NN had VHD suffered VVN non JJ life NN threatening VVG physical JJ violence NN , , and CC 13 CD percent NN had VHD suffered VVN life NN threatening VVG violence NN . SENT It PP is VBZ estimated VVN that IN only RB one CD out IN of IN every DT five CD incidents NNS of IN violence NN against IN women NNS is VBZ reported VVN . SENT The DT Family NP Violence NN Units NNS of IN the DT police NNS handle VVP crimes NNS of IN domestic JJ violence NN and CC physical JJ and CC or CC sexual JJ abuse NN against IN women NNS and CC children NNS . SENT Rape NN is VBZ also RB a DT serious JJ problem NN that WDT is VBZ highly RB underreported VVN . SENT The DT Law NN on IN Domestic NP and CC Family NP Violence NN makes VVZ the DT rape NN of IN an DT adult NN victim NN a DT public JJ crime NN . SENT however RB , , the DT victim NN must MD press VV charges NNS . SENT The DT law NN also RB broadened VVD the DT definition NN of IN family NN member NN abuse NN . SENT The DT 1999 CD Law NN against IN Sexual JJ Violation NN created VVD the DT new JJ crime NN of IN statutory JJ rape NN of IN a DT person NN from IN 14 CD to TO 18 CD years NNS of IN age NN and CC established JJ new JJ penalties NNS . SENT 10 CD to TO 20 CD years NNS for IN the DT rape NN of IN a DT child NN under IN the DT age NN of IN 14 CD . SENT 2 CD to TO 6 CD years NNS for IN statutory JJ rape NN . SENT and CC 5 CD to TO 20 CD years NNS for IN the DT rape NN of IN an DT adult NN . SENT The DT new JJ Code NP of IN Criminal NP Procedures NNS provides VVZ that IN crimes NNS against IN adults NNS included VVN in IN previous JJ laws NNS on IN sex NN crimes NNS can MD be VB made VVN public JJ crimes NNS . SENT however RB , , the DT victim NN must MD press VV charges NNS . SENT Sexual JJ crimes NNS against IN minors NNS automatically RB are VBP considered VVN public JJ crimes NNS . SENT Public JJ agencies NNS state NN that WDT reports VVZ of IN abuse NN have VHP increased VVN markedly RB as IN a DT result NN of IN these DT laws NNS , , as IN citizens NNS have VHP become VVN more RBR aware JJ of IN the DT problem NN and CC of IN the DT availability NN of IN help NN . SENT Prostitution NN is VBZ legal JJ for IN adults NNS age NN 18 CD and CC older JJR , , and CC there EX were VBD reports NNS of IN trafficking NN in IN women NNS for IN the DT purposes NNS of IN prostitution NN and CC forced VVN labor NN see VVP Section NP 6 CD . SENT f SYM . SENT . SENT The DT new JJ Code NP of IN Criminal NP Procedures NNS see VVP Section NP 1 CD . SENT e SYM . SENT for IN the DT first JJ time NN considers VVZ sexual JJ harassment NN a DT civil JJ crime NN , , also RB resulting VVG in IN greater JJR protection NN under IN the DT law NN . SENT There EX are VBP no DT statistics NNS on IN the DT incidence NN of IN sexual JJ harassment NN , , but CC the DT problem NN generally RB is VBZ acknowledged VVN to TO exist VV widely RB in IN the DT male JJ oriented JJ society NN . SENT Legal JJ services NNS offices NNS devoted VVN to TO family NN and CC women's NN rights NNS operate VVP throughout IN the DT country NN . SENT The DT Maternal JJ and CC Infant JJ Health NP Insurance NP Program NP provides VVZ health NN services NNS , , focused VVN on IN maternal JJ and CC infant JJ health NN , , to TO women NNS of IN reproductive JJ age NN and CC to TO children NNS under IN the DT age NN of IN 5 CD . SENT Women NNS generally RB do VVP not RB enjoy VV a DT social JJ status NN equal JJ to TO that DT of IN men NNS . SENT Many JJ women NNS do VVP not RB know VV their PP$ legal JJ rights NNS . SENT Traditional JJ prejudices NNS and CC social JJ conditions NNS remain VVP obstacles NNS to TO advancement NN . SENT The DT Labor NP Code NP restricts VVZ the DT proportion NN of IN women NNS staff NN in IN business NN to TO 45 CD percent NN of IN the DT workforce NN unless IN large JJ groups NNS of IN women NNS are VBP required VVN in IN a DT particular JJ enterprise NN . SENT however RB , , this DT restriction NN is VBZ not RB enforced VVN actively RB . SENT Women NNS generally RB earn VVP less JJR than IN men NNS for IN equal JJ work NN . SENT however RB , , the DT minimum JJ wage NN law NN treats VVZ men NNS and CC women NNS equally RB . SENT Most JJS women NNS in IN urban JJ areas NNS work VVP in IN the DT informal JJ economy NN and CC the DT services NNS and CC trade NN sectors NNS , , including VVG domestic JJ service NN and CC micro NP business NN , , whereas IN in IN rural JJ areas NNS the DT vast JJ majority NN of IN economically RB active JJ women NNS work VVP in IN agriculture NN . SENT Young JJ girls NNS often RB leave VVP school NN early JJ to TO work VV at IN home NN or CC in IN the DT economy NN . SENT According VVG to TO a DT 1997 CD study NN by IN the DT Ministry NP of IN Education NP , , four CD out IN of IN five CD illiterate JJ citizens NNS are VBP female JJ . SENT Girls NNS have VHP lower JJR rates NNS of IN school NN participation NN and CC higher JJR dropout NN rates NNS than IN boys NNS . SENT Although IN not RB effectively RB enforced VVN , , the DT national JJ labor NN law NN limits VVZ women NNS to TO a DT workday NN 1 CD hour NN shorter JJR than IN that IN of IN men NNS and CC prohibits VVZ them PP from IN working VVG at IN night NN see VVP Section NP 6 CD . SENT e SYM . SENT . SENT Children NNS The DT Government NN is VBZ aware JJ of IN the DT precarious JJ situation NN of IN children NNS and CC the DT need NN to TO provide VV legal JJ and CC institutional JJ infrastructure NN for IN their PP$ protection NN . SENT There EX are VBP seven CD Defender NN of IN Children NNS and CC Adolescents NNS offices NNS in IN La NP Paz NP to TO help VV protect VV children's JJ rights NNS and CC interests NNS . SENT However RB , , the DT Government NP has VHZ not RB given VVN the DT poor JJ situation NN of IN children NNS sufficient JJ political JJ priority NN to TO improve VV conditions NNS quickly RB and CC effectively RB . SENT Although IN the DT law NN requires VVZ all DT children NNS to TO complete VV at IN least JJS 5 CD years NNS of IN primary JJ school NN , , this DT requirement NN is VBZ enforced VVN poorly RB , , particularly RB in IN rural JJ areas NNS . SENT The DT Ministry NP of IN Education NP and CC the DT World NP Bank NP estimated VVD in IN 1997 CD that IN 26 CD percent NN of IN children NNS graduated VVN from IN high JJ school NN . SENT Prolonged JJ teachers NNS strikes VVZ often RB result VV in IN lengthy JJ school NN closures NNS , , limiting VVG children's JJ access NN to TO education NN . SENT The DT National NP Institute NP of IN Statistics NPS calculated VVN in IN 1998 CD that IN approximately RB 24 CD percent NN of IN children NNS less JJR than IN 3 CD years NNS old JJ were VBD chronically RB undernourished VVN . SENT A DT 1999 CD UNICEF NP report NN on IN infant JJ mortality NN indicated VVN that IN 85 CD of IN every DT 1 CD , , 000 CD children NNS die VVP before IN they PP reach VVP 5 CD years NNS of IN age NN . SENT Many JJ children NNS , , particularly RB from IN rural JJ areas NNS , , lack VVP the DT birth NN certificates NNS and CC identity NN documents NNS they PP need VVP to TO secure VV social JJ benefits NNS and CC protection NN . SENT Physical JJ and CC psychological JJ abuse NN in IN the DT home NN also RB are VBP serious JJ problems NNS . SENT Corporal JJ punishment NN and CC verbal JJ abuse NN are VBP common JJ in IN schools NNS . SENT Child NN prostitution NN is VBZ a DT problem NN , , particularly RB in IN urban JJ areas NNS and CC in IN the DT Chapare NP region NN . SENT At IN least JJS two CD NGO's NP , , Fundacion NP La NP Paz NP and CC Q'Haruru NP , , have VHP active JJ programs NNS to TO combat VV child NN prostitution NN . SENT The DT Government's NP plan NN to TO combat VV child NN labor NN includes VVZ a DT campaign NN against IN child NN prostitution NN see VVP Section NP 6 CD . SENT d SYM . SENT . SENT There EX were VBD reports NNS of IN children NNS trafficked VVN for IN forced VVN labor NN to TO neighboring JJ countries NNS see VVP Section NP 6 CD . SENT f SYM . SENT . SENT The DT 1999 CD Code NP for IN Boys NPS , , Girls NNS , , and CC Adolescents NNS establishes VVZ , , augments NNS , , and CC further JJR safeguards NNS the DT rights NNS of IN children NNS and CC adolescents NNS . SENT It PP also RB regulates VVZ adoptions NNS and CC tightens VVZ protection NN against IN exploitative JJ child NN labor NN and CC violence NN against IN children NNS . SENT However RB , , resource NN constraints NNS continue VVP to TO impede VV full JJ implementation NN of IN this DT law NN . SENT Children NNS from IN 11 CD to TO 16 CD years NNS of IN age NN can MD be VB detained VVN indefinitely RB in IN children's JJ centers NNS for IN known VVN or CC suspected VVN offenses NNS , , or CC for IN their PP$ own JJ protection NN , , simply RB on IN the DT orders NNS of IN a DT social JJ worker NN see VVP Section NP 1 CD . SENT d SYM . SENT . SENT Child NN labor NN is VBZ a DT problem NN see VVP Section NP 6 CD . SENT d SYM . SENT . SENT In IN April NP the DT Government's NP Inter NP Institutional NP Commission NP for IN the DT Progressive JJ Elimination NN of IN Child NP Labor NP formally RB released VVD a DT finalized VVN national JJ plan NN to TO address VV the DT problem NN of IN child NN labor NN , , which WDT includes VVZ programs NNS to TO address VV financial JJ , , health NN , , education NN , , and CC other JJ needs NNS of IN children NNS see VVP Section NP 6 CD . SENT d SYM . SENT . SENT Persons NNS with IN Disabilities NP The NP Law NP on IN Disabilities NPS requires VVZ wheelchair NN access NN to TO all DT public JJ and CC private JJ buildings NNS , , duty NN free JJ import NN of IN orthopedic JJ devices NNS , , a DT 50 CD percent NN reduction NN in IN public JJ transportation NN fares NNS , , and CC expanded JJ teaching NN of IN sign NN language NN and CC Braille NP . SENT A DT National NP Committee NP for IN Incapacitated VVN Persons NP oversees VVZ the DT law's NNS enforcement NN , , conducts VVZ studies NNS , , and CC channels NNS and CC supervises VVZ programs NNS and CC donations NNS for IN the DT persons NNS with IN disabilities NNS . SENT however RB , , there EX is VBZ little JJ information NN on IN its PP$ effectiveness NN . SENT The DT electoral JJ law NN makes VVZ arrangements NNS for IN blind JJ voters NNS . SENT However RB , , in IN general NN there EX are VBP no DT special JJ services NNS or CC infrastructure NN to TO accommodate VV persons NNS with IN disabilities NNS . SENT A DT lack NN of IN adequate JJ resources NNS impedes VVZ full JJ implementation NN of IN the DT law NN . SENT Societal JJ discrimination NN keeps VVZ many JJ persons NNS with IN disabilities NNS at IN home NN from IN an DT early JJ age NN , , limiting VVG their PP$ integration NN into IN society NN . SENT Indigenous JJ People NNS Discrimination NN against IN , , and CC abuse NN of IN , , indigenous JJ people NNS continued VVD . SENT The DT indigenous JJ majority NN generally RB remains VVZ at IN the DT low JJ end NN of IN the DT socioeconomic JJ scale NN , , and CC faces VVZ severe JJ disadvantages NNS in IN health NN , , life NN expectancy NN , , education NN , , income NN , , literacy NN , , and CC employment NN . SENT More JJR than IN one CD half NN of IN all DT citizens NNS speak VVP indigenous JJ dialects NNS as IN their PP$ first JJ language NN , , and CC many JJ speak VVP no RB Spanish JJ at IN all DT , , which WDT essentially RB excludes VVZ them PP from IN most JJS of IN the DT formal JJ economy NN . SENT Lack NN of IN education NN , , inefficient JJ farming NN and CC mining NN methods NNS , , indigenous JJ cultural JJ practices NNS , , and CC societal JJ biases NNS keep VVP the DT indigenous JJ people NNS poor JJ . SENT They PP continued VVD to TO be VB exploited VVN in IN the DT workplace NN . SENT Some DT rural JJ indigenous JJ workers NNS are VBP kept VVN in IN a DT state NN of IN virtual JJ slavery NN by IN employers NNS who WP charge VVP them PP more JJR for IN room NN and CC board NN than IN they PP earn VVP . SENT Although IN the DT Agrarian JJ Reform NP Law NP extended VVD the DT protection NN of IN the DT national JJ labor NN law NN to TO all DT paid VVN agricultural JJ workers NNS , , including VVG indigenous JJ workers NNS , , the DT problem NN persists VVZ due JJ to TO lack NN of IN effective JJ enforcement NN . SENT The DT vast JJ majority NN of IN conscripts NNS are VBP indigenous JJ . SENT The DT Agrarian JJ Reform NP Law NP provides VVZ for IN indigenous JJ communities NNS to TO have VH legal JJ title NN to TO their PP$ communal JJ lands NNS and CC for IN individual JJ farmers NNS to TO have VH title NN to TO the DT land NN they PP work VVP . SENT The DT Government NN and CC indigenous JJ leaders NNS jointly RB developed VVD provisions NNS of IN this DT law NN . SENT However RB , , the DT issue NN of IN land NN , , specifically RB the DT Agrarian JJ Reform NP Law NP , , has VHZ been VBN a DT constant JJ source NN of IN complaints NNS and CC protests NNS by IN indigenous JJ people NNS . SENT Indigenous JJ people NNS complain VVP that IN their PP$ territories NNS are VBP not RB defined VVN legally RB or CC protected VVN , , and CC that WDT outsiders NNS exploit VVP their PP$ resources NNS . SENT Specific JJ offenders NNS allegedly RB are VBP illegal JJ coca NN growers NNS and CC timber NN pirates NNS . SENT Indigenous JJ groups NNS have VHP taken VVN advantage NN of IN the DT Popular NP Participation NN Law NN to TO form VV municipalities NNS that WDT offer VVP them PP greater JJR opportunities NNS for IN self NN determination NN . SENT The DT new JJ Code NP of IN Criminal NP Procedures NNS recognizes VVZ the DT conflict NN resolution NN traditions NNS of IN indigenous JJ communities NNS see VVP Section NP 1 CD . SENT e SYM . SENT . SENT On IN August NP 23 CD , , the DT Government NP signed VVD an DT agreement NN with IN the DT CSUTCB NP that WDT committed VVD the DT Government NN to TO provide VV 70 CD million CD 455 JJ million CD bolivianos NNS in IN various JJ service NN projects NNS and CC credit NN to TO indigenous JJ communities NNS , , as RB well RB as IN other JJ commitments NNS . SENT Implementation NN of IN the DT agreement NN was VBD underway JJ at IN year's JJ end NN . SENT National JJ Racial JJ Ethnic JJ Minorities NNS There EX is VBZ ongoing JJ societal JJ discrimination NN against IN the DT small JJ Afro NP Bolivian NN minority NN . SENT Afro NP Bolivians NNS generally RB remain VVP at IN the DT low JJ end NN of IN the DT socioeconomic JJ scale NN , , and CC face VV severe JJ disadvantages NNS in IN health NN , , life NN expectancy NN , , education NN , , income NN , , literacy NN , , and CC employment NN . SENT The DT majority NN of IN Afro NP Bolivians NNS live VVP in IN the DT Yungas NP region NN of IN the DT Department NP of IN La NP Paz NP . SENT Section NN 6 CD Worker NP Rights NPS a DT . SENT The DT Right NP of IN Association NP Workers NPS may MD form VV and CC join VV organizations NNS of IN their PP$ choosing NN . SENT however RB , , labor NN leaders NNS consistently RB state VVP that IN a DT section NN of IN the DT Economic NP Liberalization NN Decree NN , , which WDT addresses VVZ the DT free JJ contracting NN of IN labor NN , , undermines VVZ any DT protections NNS against IN dismissal NN without IN cause NN . SENT Labor NN leaders NNS allege VVP that DT employers NNS use VVP or CC threaten VVP to TO use VV this DT article NN to TO limit VV unionization NN . SENT The DT Labor NP Code NP requires VVZ prior JJ government NN authorization NN to TO establish VV a DT union NN , , permits VVZ only RB one CD union NN per IN enterprise NN , , and CC allows VVZ the DT Government NN to TO dissolve VV unions NNS by IN administrative JJ fiat NN . SENT however RB , , the DT Government NP has VHZ not RB enforced VVN these DT provisions NNS in IN recent JJ years NNS . SENT The DT law NN requires VVZ the DT Government NN to TO confirm VV the DT legitimately RB elected VVN officers NNS of IN unions NNS . SENT while IN this DT is VBZ sometimes RB difficult JJ due RB to TO the DT fact NN that IN unions NNS usually RB do VVP not RB follow VV clearly RB democratic JJ practices NNS , , the DT Government NN is VBZ not RB known VVN to TO favor VV candidates NNS for IN political JJ or CC other JJ reasons NNS . SENT While IN the DT code NN denies VVZ civil JJ servants NNS the DT right NN to TO organize VV , , nearly RB all DT civilian JJ government NN workers NNS are VBP unionized VVD . SENT Workers NNS generally RB are VBP not RB penalized VVN for IN union NN activities NNS . SENT however RB , , security NN forces NNS clashed VVN with IN union NN and CC other JJ demonstrators NNS on IN many JJ occasions NNS during IN the DT year NN , , resulting VVG in IN some DT deaths NNS and CC hundreds NNS of IN injuries NNS see VVP Sections NNS 1 CD . SENT a DT . SENT and CC 2 CD . SENT b SYM . SENT . SENT On IN April NP 12 CD , , the DT Government NP forcibly RB rounded VVD up RP protesters NNS , , including VVG union NN members NNS , , marching VVG from IN Cochabamba NP to TO La NP Paz NP and CC returned VVD them PP by IN bus NN to TO Cochabamba NP rather RB than IN permitting VVG them PP to TO reach VV La NP Paz NP see VVP Section NP 2 CD . SENT b SYM . SENT . SENT In IN theory NN the DT Bolivian JJ Labor NP Federation NP COB NN represents VVZ virtually RB the DT entire JJ work NN force NN . SENT however RB , , only RB about IN one CD half NN of IN workers NNS in IN the DT formal JJ economy NN actually RB belong VV to TO labor NN unions NNS , , and CC employment NN in IN the DT formal JJ economy NN has VHZ fallen VVN markedly RB compared VVN to TO that DT in IN the DT informal JJ , , typically RB unorganized JJ sector NN an DT estimated VVN 70 CD percent NN of IN the DT total JJ workforce NN . SENT The DT most RBS active JJ labor NN demonstrations NNS during IN the DT year NN were VBD initiated VVN by IN workers NNS who WP are VBP outside JJ of IN the DT traditional JJ employer NN employee NN framework NN , , specifically RB cooperative JJ miners NNS . SENT truckers NNS . SENT and CC indigenous JJ , , subsistence NN farmers NNS . SENT These DT small JJ capitalists NNS as RB well RB as IN workers NNS in IN the DT informal JJ economy NN often RB are VBP organized VVN into IN labor NN or CC trade NN organizations NNS . SENT The DT CSUTCB NP , , led VVN by IN Felipe NP Quispe NP , , is VBZ not RB a DT trade NN union NN in IN the DT traditional JJ sense NN , , since IN there EX is VBZ no DT counterpart NN employer NN with IN which WDT to TO bargain VV . SENT The DT CSUTCB NP is VBZ designed VVN to TO maximize VV the DT power NN of IN indigenous JJ farmers NNS with IN respect NN to TO the DT Government NN and CC traditional JJ trade NN unions NNS . SENT In IN 2000 CD the DT Government NN stopped VVD work NN on IN draft NN legislation NN to TO modernize VV the DT antiquated JJ Labor NP Code NP and CC patchwork JJ of IN labor NN laws NNS and CC to TO make VV them PP conform VV to TO International NP Labor NP Organization NP ILO NP conventions NNS that IN the DT Government NP already RB has VHZ ratified VVN . SENT In IN many JJ respects NNS , , the DT country's JJ labor NN laws NNS and CC regulations NNS are VBP favorable JJ to TO workers NNS . SENT however RB , , lack NN of IN enforcement NN and CC in IN some DT cases NNS unrealistic JJ objectives NNS have VHP led VVN many JJ of IN the DT standards NNS to TO be VB ignored VVN in IN practice NN . SENT The DT Labor NP Code NP bans VVZ strikes NNS in IN public JJ services NNS , , including VVG banks NNS and CC public JJ markets NNS . SENT however RB , , workers NNS in IN the DT public JJ sector NN frequently RB do VVP strike NN . SENT The DT ILO NP has VHZ requested VVN changes NNS to TO the DT Penal JJ Code NP , , which WDT criminalizes VVZ strikes NNS by IN government NN workers NNS in IN the DT areas NNS of IN public JJ safety NN , , with IN the DT possible JJ sanction NN of IN compulsory JJ labor NN . SENT The DT Government NN does VVZ not RB use VV this DT sanction NN in IN practice NN . SENT Many JJ workers NNS in IN key JJ sectors NNS , , including VVG the DT National NP Police NP , , have VHP engaged VVN in IN work NN stoppages NNS without IN facing VVG administrative JJ or CC legal JJ penalty NN . SENT Solidarity NP strikes NNS are VBP illegal JJ , , but CC the DT Government NP has VHZ neither RB prosecuted VVN those DT responsible JJ nor CC imposed VVN penalties NNS . SENT Significant JJ strikes NNS and CC protests NNS in IN May NP centered VVD around IN annual JJ negotiations NNS over IN salaries NNS and CC benefits NNS for IN public JJ employees NNS and CC proposed VVN changes NNS in IN the DT Government's NP pro JJ market NN economic JJ and CC social JJ policies NNS . SENT A DT strike NN by IN public JJ health NN workers NNS in IN April NP caused VVD hardship NN for IN citizens NNS , , and CC teachers NNS in IN La NP Paz NP struck VVD for IN a DT week NN in IN early JJ May NP . SENT In IN May NP a DT district NN court NN sentenced VVD two CD mining NN sector NN labor NN leaders NNS to TO 15 CD years NNS in IN prison NN for IN their PP$ involvement NN in IN the DT death NN of IN a DT police NN officer NN during IN violent JJ protests NNS in IN 1996 CD . SENT however RB , , there EX was VBD no DT apparent JJ evidence NN linking VVG them PP directly RB to TO the DT death NN see VVP Section NP 1 CD . SENT a DT . SENT . SENT Unions NNS are VBP not RB free JJ from IN influence NN by IN political JJ parties NNS , , but CC many JJ in IN organized JJ labor NN increasingly RB reject VV existing VVG political JJ parties NNS and CC support NN movements NNS seeking VVG fundamental JJ change NN in IN the DT economic JJ and CC political JJ system NN . SENT Most JJS parties NNS have VHP labor NN committees NNS that WDT attempt VVP to TO influence VV union NN activity NN and CC also RB have VH party NN activists NNS inside IN the DT unions NNS . SENT The DT law NN allows VVZ unions NNS to TO join VV international JJ labor NN organizations NNS . SENT The DT COB NN is VBZ an DT affiliate NN of IN the DT communist NN , , formerly RB Soviet NP dominated VVD , , World NP Federation NP of IN Trade NP Unions NNS . SENT b LS . SENT The DT Right NP to TO Organize VV and CC Bargain NN Collectively RB Workers NP may MD organize VV and CC bargain VV collectively RB . SENT Collective JJ bargaining NN , , or CC voluntary JJ direct JJ negotiations NNS between IN employers NNS and CC workers NNS without IN the DT participation NN of IN the DT Government NN , , is VBZ limited VVN . SENT The DT Labor NP Code NP was VBD written VVN in IN a DT period NN in IN which WDT the DT COB NN , , which WDT purports VVZ to TO represent VV all DT worker NN groups NNS and CC interests NNS , , had VHD quasi NP governmental JJ status NN and CC the DT exclusive JJ authority NN to TO negotiate VV with IN state NN owned VVN enterprises NNS . SENT The DT practice NN was VBD for IN the DT COB NN and CC the DT Government NN to TO negotiate VV a DT global JJ agreement NN on IN salaries NNS , , minimum JJ wages NNS , , and CC other JJ work NN conditions NNS each DT year NN . SENT With IN the DT privatization NN of IN most JJS of IN these DT enterprises NNS , , the DT COB's NP relevancy NN has VHZ diminished VVN markedly RB , , and CC the DT practice NN of IN direct JJ employee NN management NN negotiations NNS in IN individual JJ enterprises NNS is VBZ expanding VVG . SENT The DT law NN prohibits VVZ discrimination NN against IN union NN members NNS and CC organizers NNS . SENT Complaints NNS go VVP to TO the DT National NP Labor NP Court NP , , which WDT can MD take VV a DT year NN or CC more JJR to TO rule VV due JJ to TO a DT significant JJ backlog NN of IN cases NNS . SENT The DT court NN has VHZ ruled VVN in IN favor NN of IN discharged VVN workers NNS in IN some DT cases NNS and CC successfully RB required VVN their PP$ reinstatement NN . SENT However RB , , union NN leaders NNS say VVP that DT problems NNS are VBP often RB moot JJ by IN the DT time NN the DT court NN rules NNS . SENT Labor NN law NN and CC practice NN in IN the DT seven CD special JJ duty NN free JJ zones NNS are VBP the DT same JJ as RB in IN the DT rest NN of IN the DT country NN . SENT c LS . SENT Prohibition NN of IN Forced JJ or CC Compulsory JJ Labor NN The DT law NN prohibits VVZ forced JJ or CC compulsory JJ labor NN , , including VVG forced VVN and CC bonded VVN labor NN by IN children NNS . SENT however RB , , the DT practices NNS of IN child NN apprenticeship NN and CC agricultural JJ servitude NN by IN indigenous JJ workers NNS see VVP Sections NNS 5 CD and CC 6 CD . SENT d SYM . SENT constitute VVP violations NNS , , as RB do VVP some DT individual JJ cases NNS of IN household NN workers NNS effectively RB held VVN captive NN by IN their PP$ employers NNS . SENT The DT ILO NP Committee NP of IN Experts NNS Observations NNS report VVP that IN the DT abuses NNS and CC lack NN of IN payment NN of IN wages NNS constitute VVP forced VVN labor NN in IN the DT agriculture NN sector NN . SENT In IN addition NN , , women NNS were VBD trafficked VVN for IN the DT purpose NN of IN prostitution NN , , and CC women NNS and CC children NNS were VBD trafficked VVN for IN the DT purpose NN of IN forced VVN labor NN to TO neighboring JJ countries NNS see VVP Section NP 6 CD . SENT f SYM . SENT . SENT Some DT conscripts NNS are VBP required VVN to TO perform VV domestic JJ tasks NNS for IN officers NNS . SENT d SYM . SENT Status NN of IN Child NP Labor NP Practices NPS and CC Minimum NP Age NP for IN Employment NP The DT law NN prohibits VVZ all DT work NN for IN payment NN by IN children NNS under IN the DT age NN of IN 14 CD . SENT however RB , , this DT prohibition NN generally RB is VBZ not RB enforced VVN . SENT Child NN labor NN is VBZ a DT serious JJ and CC increasing JJ problem NN . SENT The DT law NN prohibits VVZ a DT range NN of IN dangerous JJ , , immoral JJ , , and CC unhealthy JJ work NN for IN minors NNS under IN the DT age NN of IN 18 CD . SENT Labor NN law NN permits VVZ apprenticeship NN for IN those DT 12 CD to TO 14 CD years NNS old JJ . SENT The DT ILO NP has VHZ criticized VVN this DT practice NN , , which WDT is VBZ considered VVN by IN some DT to TO be VB tantamount JJ to TO bondage NN see VV Section NP 6 CD . SENT c SYM . SENT . SENT Approximately RB one CD in IN every DT four CD children NNS between IN the DT ages NNS of IN 7 CD and CC 14 CD is VBZ employed VVN in IN some DT way NN . SENT A DT 1999 CD study NN by IN the DT ILO NP estimated VVD that IN approximately RB 70 CD , , 000 CD children NNS between IN the DT ages NNS of IN 7 CD and CC 14 CD were VBD working VVG in IN cities NNS , , and CC that IN approximately RB 300 CD , , 000 CD children NNS in IN the DT same JJ age NN group NN were VBD working VVG in IN rural JJ areas NNS . SENT The DT children NNS usually RB worked VVD to TO help VV provide VV for IN family NN subsistence NN , , in IN uncontrolled JJ and CC sometimes RB unhealthy JJ conditions NNS . SENT Projecting VVG based VVN on IN 1992 CD census NN data NNS , , the DT Government NN estimated VVN in IN 1999 CD that IN 800 CD , , 000 CD children NNS and CC adolescents NNS between IN the DT ages NNS of IN 8 CD and CC 18 CD were VBD working VVG . SENT The DT extreme JJ poverty NN of IN many JJ families NNS dictates VVZ the DT involuntary JJ employment NN of IN their PP$ children NNS for IN motives NNS of IN survival NN . SENT In IN April NP the DT Inter NP Institutional NP Commission NP for IN the DT Progressive JJ Elimination NN of IN Child NP Labor NP , , formed VVN in IN 1999 CD , , formally RB released VVN a DT finalized VVN 10 CD year NN , , 90 CD million CD 585 JJ million CD bolivianos NNS Plan NP for IN the DT Progressive JJ Elimination NN of IN Child NP Labor NP . SENT The DT plan NN , , released VVN informally RB in IN December NP 2000 CD , , includes VVZ programs NNS to TO address VV financial JJ , , health NN , , education NN , , and CC other JJ needs NNS of IN children NNS and CC calls NNS for IN incentive NN programs NNS to TO poor JJ families NNS to TO keep VV children NNS in IN school NN , , improved VVN governmental JJ enforcement NN of IN labor NN laws NNS , , and CC immediate JJ actions NNS to TO prevent VV the DT worst JJS forms NNS of IN child NN labor NN . SENT However RB , , the DT plan NN has VHZ little JJ funding NN , , and CC the DT Government NN continued VVD to TO seek VV donor NN support NN of IN individual JJ project NN activities NNS . SENT The DT plan NN also RB calls VVZ on IN the DT Government NN to TO ratify VV ILO NP Convention NP 182 CD on IN the DT worst JJS forms NNS of IN child NN labor NN , , which WDT it PP had VHD not RB done VVN at IN year's JJ end NN . SENT The DT Labor NP Ministry NP is VBZ responsible JJ for IN enforcing VVG child NN labor NN provisions NNS but CC generally RB does VVZ not RB enforce VV them PP throughout IN the DT country NN . SENT Urban JJ children NNS sell VVP goods NNS , , shine NN shoes NNS , , and CC assist VV transport NN operators NNS . SENT Rural JJ children NNS often RB work VVP with IN parents NNS from IN an DT early JJ age NN , , generally RB in IN subsistence NN agriculture NN . SENT Children NNS generally RB are VBP not RB employed VVN in IN factories NNS or CC formal JJ businesses NNS but CC , , when WRB employed VVN , , often RB work VV the DT same JJ hours NNS as IN adults NNS . SENT Children NNS also RB work VVP in IN the DT mines NNS and CC other JJ dangerous JJ occupations NNS in IN the DT informal JJ sector NN . SENT Child NN prostitution NN is VBZ a DT growing VVG problem NN see VVP Section NP 5 CD . SENT On IN May NP 15 CD , , Defense NP of IN Children NP International NP , , an DT NGO NN , , criticized VVD narcotics NNS traffickers NNS for IN using VVG children NNS under IN the DT age NN of IN 14 CD to TO transport VV drugs NNS as IN mules NNS . SENT The DT old JJ practice NN of IN criadito NN service NN still RB persists VVZ in IN some DT parts NNS of IN the DT country NN . SENT Criaditos NNS are VBP indigenous JJ children NNS of IN both DT sexes NNS , , usually RB 10 CD to TO 12 CD years NNS old JJ , , whom WP their PP$ parents NNS indenture NN to TO middle JJ and CC upper JJ class NN families NNS to TO perform VV household NN work NN in IN exchange NN for IN education NN , , clothing NN , , room NN , , and CC board NN . SENT There EX are VBP no DT controls NNS over IN the DT benefits NNS to TO , , or CC treatment NN of IN , , such JJ children NNS , , who WP may MD become VV virtual JJ slaves NNS for IN the DT years NNS of IN their PP$ indenture NN . SENT The DT law NN prohibits VVZ forced VVN and CC bonded VVN labor NN by IN children NNS . SENT however RB , , the DT practices NNS of IN criadito NN and CC agricultural JJ servitude NN by IN indigenous JJ workers NNS constitute VVP violations NNS , , as RB do VVP some DT individual JJ cases NNS of IN household NN workers NNS effectively RB held VVN captive NN by IN their PP$ employers NNS see VVP Sections NNS 5 CD and CC 6 CD . SENT c SYM . SENT . SENT e SYM . SENT Acceptable JJ Conditions NNS of IN Work NN In IN conformity NN with IN the DT law NN , , the DT minimum JJ wage NN is VBZ subject JJ to TO annual JJ renegotiation NN and CC increased VVN in IN January NP by IN almost RB 9 CD percent NN to TO approximately RB 59 CD 400 CD bolivianos NNS per IN month NN , , plus CC bonuses NNS and CC fringe NN benefits NNS . SENT After IN negotiations NNS the DT Government NN establishes VVZ the DT minimum JJ wage NN for IN the DT public JJ and CC private JJ sectors NNS by IN supreme JJ decree NN . SENT The DT minimum JJ wage NN does VVZ not RB provide VV a DT decent JJ standard NN of IN living VVG for IN a DT worker NN and CC family NN , , and CC most RBS formal JJ sector NN workers NNS earn VVP more JJR , , although IN many JJ informal JJ sector NN workers NNS earn VVP less JJR . SENT Although IN the DT minimum JJ wage NN falls VVZ below IN prevailing VVG wages NNS in IN most JJS jobs NNS , , certain JJ benefit NN calculations NNS are VBP pegged VVN to TO it PP . SENT The DT minimum JJ wage NN does VVZ not RB cover VV members NNS of IN the DT informal JJ sector NN , , who WP constitute VVP the DT majority NN of IN the DT urban JJ work NN force NN , , nor CC does VVZ it PP cover VV farmers NNS , , who WP account VVP for IN some DT 30 CD percent NN of IN the DT working VVG population NN . SENT Although IN not RB effectively RB enforced VVN , , the DT law NN establishes VVZ an DT 8 CD hour NN workday NN and CC a DT maximum JJ workweek NN of IN 48 CD hours NNS , , limits VVZ women NNS to TO a DT workday NN 1 CD hour NN shorter JJR than IN that IN of IN men NNS , , and CC prohibits VVZ women NNS from IN working VVG at IN night NN see VVP Section NP 5 CD . SENT The DT Labor NP Ministry's NP Bureau NP of IN Occupational NP Safety NP has VHZ responsibility NN for IN protection NN of IN workers NNS health NN and CC safety NN , , but CC relevant JJ standards NNS are VBP enforced VVN poorly RB . SENT Many JJ workers NNS have VHP died VVN due JJ to TO unsafe JJ conditions NNS . SENT However RB , , during IN the DT year NN , , the DT Government NN began VVD to TO receive VV technical JJ assistance NN in IN the DT occupational JJ safety NN area NN from IN an DT international JJ donor NN . SENT The DT Labor NP Ministry NP maintains VVZ a DT hot JJ line NN for IN worker NN inquiries NNS , , complaints NNS , , and CC reports NNS of IN unfair JJ labor NN practices NNS and CC unsafe JJ working VVG conditions NNS . SENT Working VVG conditions NNS in IN the DT mining NN sector NN are VBP particularly RB poor JJ . SENT Although IN the DT State NP Mining NP Corporation NP has VHZ an DT office NN responsible JJ for IN safety NN , , many JJ mines NNS , , often RB old JJ and CC using VVG antiquated JJ equipment NN , , are VBP dangerous JJ and CC unhealthy JJ . SENT In IN some DT mines NNS operated VVN as IN cooperatives NNS , , miners NNS earn VVP less JJR than IN 3 CD 20 CD bolivianos NNS per IN 12 CD hour NN day NN . SENT Miners NNS work VVP without IN respirators NNS in IN mines NNS where WRB toxic JJ gases NNS and CC cancer NN causing VVG dusts NNS abound VVP . SENT buy VV their PP$ own JJ supplies NNS , , including VVG dynamite NN . SENT have VHP no DT scheduled VVN rest NN periods NNS . SENT and CC many JJ work NN underground RB for IN up RB to TO 24 CD hours NNS continuously RB . SENT There EX are VBP no DT special JJ provisions NNS in IN the DT law NN defining VVG when WRB workers NNS may MD remove VV themselves PP from IN dangerous JJ situations NNS . SENT Unless IN the DT work NN contract NN covers VVZ this DT area NN , , any DT worker NN who WP refuses VVZ to TO work VV based VVN on IN the DT individual's JJ judgment NN of IN excessively RB dangerous JJ conditions NNS may MD face VV dismissal NN . SENT f SYM . SENT Trafficking NN in IN Persons NP The DT law NN prohibits VVZ trafficking NN in IN persons NNS for IN the DT purpose NN of IN prostitution NN . SENT There EX are VBP no DT other JJ laws NNS that WDT specifically RB address VV trafficking NN in IN persons NNS , , although IN many JJ aspects NNS of IN the DT problem NN are VBP covered VVN in IN other JJ laws NNS and CC in IN the DT Constitution NP . SENT Trafficking NN in IN women NNS and CC children NNS is VBZ a DT problem NN . SENT There EX were VBD reports NNS of IN domestic JJ trafficking NN in IN women NNS for IN the DT purpose NN of IN prostitution NN . SENT A DT union NN leader NN asserted VVD that IN employment NN agencies NNS lure VV rural JJ indigenous JJ women NNS to TO cities NNS with IN promises NNS of IN employment NN as IN domestic JJ servants NNS but CC then RB force VV them PP to TO work VV without IN salaries NNS to TO repay VV transport NN and CC other JJ fees NNS and CC sometimes RB turn VV them PP over RP to TO houses NNS of IN prostitution NN . SENT There EX were VBD credible JJ reports NNS that IN Bolivia NP is VBZ a DT country NN of IN origin NN for IN trafficked VVN persons NNS for IN forced VVN labor NN in IN neighboring JJ countries NNS , , especially RB Argentina NP , , and CC to TO a DT lesser JJR extent NN Chile NP and CC Brazil NP , , although IN there EX are VBP no DT reliable JJ estimates NNS available JJ as RB to TO the DT extent NN of IN the DT problem NN . SENT A DT small JJ percentage NN of IN economic JJ migrants NNS receive VVP fraudulent JJ information NN about IN prospective JJ jobs NNS in IN neighboring JJ countries NNS , , which WDT turn VVP out RP to TO be VB forced VVN labor NN under IN harsh JJ conditions NNS . SENT Some DT of IN the DT fraud NN leading VVG to TO involuntary JJ servitude NN originates VVZ within IN the DT country NN . SENT Women NNS and CC adolescents NNS , , especially RB from IN indigenous JJ ethnic JJ groups NNS in IN the DT altiplano NN high JJ plains NNS region NN , , appear VVP to TO be VB more JJR at IN risk NN of IN being VBG trafficked VVN . SENT Victims NNS generally RB are VBP trafficked VVN to TO Argentina NP to TO work VV in IN agriculture NN , , factories NNS , , trades NNS , , and CC as IN domestic JJ employees NNS . SENT to TO Chile NP to TO work VV as IN domestic JJ employees NNS . SENT and CC to TO Brazil NP to TO work VV in IN factories NNS and CC as IN domestic JJ employees NNS . SENT The DT Government NN , , including VVG top JJ immigration NN officials NNS , , does VVZ not RB facilitate VV , , condone VV , , or CC otherwise RB act VV complicitly RB in IN trafficking NN . SENT however RB , , individual JJ low JJ ranking JJ employees NNS of IN various JJ government NN agencies NNS are VBP known VVN to TO take VV bribes NNS to TO allow VV various JJ types NNS of IN smuggling NN , , including VVG contraband NN and CC persons NNS . SENT There EX also RB are VBP allegations NNS that IN Minor's NP Judges NPS , , who WP are VBP responsible JJ for IN issuing VVG judicial JJ orders NNS that WDT permit VVP adolescents NNS to TO travel VV alone RB , , are VBP receptive JJ to TO bribes NNS to TO facilitate VV the DT issuance NN of IN such JJ orders NNS . SENT The DT Immigration NN Service NN is VBZ primarily RB responsible JJ for IN combating VVG trafficking NN , , with IN the DT assistance NN of IN the DT National NP Police NP when WRB active JJ law NN enforcement NN investigations NNS are VBP necessary JJ . SENT The DT Immigration NN Service NP has VHZ responsibility NN for IN all DT ports NNS of IN entry NN exit NN and CC border NN crossings NNS . SENT There EX is VBZ an DT interagency NN Minor's NP Committee NP formed VVD to TO combat VV trafficking NN in IN adolescents NNS for IN forced VVN labor NN to TO neighboring JJ countries NNS . SENT However RB , , the DT Government NN lacks VVZ the DT resources NNS necessary JJ to TO address VV this DT problem NN to TO a DT greater JJR extent NN . SENT The DT 1999 CD Law NN for IN the DT Protection NP of IN the DT Victims NNS of IN Crimes NP Against IN Sexual JJ Freedom NN specifically RB outlaws VVZ trafficking NN in IN persons NNS for IN the DT purpose NN of IN prostitution NN and CC provides VVZ for IN sentences NNS of IN up RB to TO 12 CD year's NN imprisonment NN . SENT Heavier JJR sentences NNS are VBP imposed VVN if IN the DT victim NN is VBZ a DT minor JJ . SENT There EX are VBP also RB laws NNS prohibiting VVG the DT falsification NN of IN government NN documents NNS , , such JJ as IN passports NNS , , visas NNS , , and CC civil JJ registry NN documents NNS . SENT In IN addition NN , , the DT Penal JJ Code NP prohibits VVZ slavery NN or CC an DT analogous JJ state NN , , and CC it PP is VBZ punishable JJ with IN 2 CD to TO 8 CD years NNS of IN imprisonment NN . SENT The DT Government NN also RB cooperates VVZ with IN other JJ governments NNS to TO investigate VV and CC prosecute VV trafficking NN cases NNS . SENT There EX were VBD no RB known VVN prosecutions NNS during IN the DT year NN . SENT