Chile - April 2023

Congress has approved the “Nain-Retamal” Act, a piece of legislation that introduces the concept of “privileged legitimate defence”. Such a concept entails a presumption that police or members of the armed forces have rightly used or discharged their service weapons when acting in self-defence or in defence of a third person. It also increases sanctions for the commission of crimes against security forces. The new law was introduced in the context of increasing violent crime in Chile, including homicide, as well as the homicide of members of security forces in the past months. Human rights organizations and activists have criticised the new provisions as contrary to standards of proportionality in the use of force.

Sources: France 24, El Espectador, La Tercera, Cable News Network

Legislation to reduce the work week from 45 to 40 hours (with exceptions for certain groups of workers) has been approved by Congress. The law, which was discussed for over six years in the legislature, also introduces other benefits for working parents of young children and prohibits any reduction in salary for the reduction of hours worked. President Boric had pledged during his campaign to ensure the bill would be passed. It will be implemented gradually over five years.

Sources: Vanguardia, El Pais