INDH Files Complaint Over Abuse of Disabled Individuals at Santa Gabriela Care Home in Paine

Beatriz Contreras, the regional head of the INDH, stated, «We have filed this complaint due to the serious incidents uncovered at the Santa Gabriela residence. The victims are individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who, while in the custody of private entities performing public functions, experienced physical violence, chaining, and medical negligence that endangered their well-being.»

«These practices not only failed to meet care standards but also constituted acts of unlawful coercion and cruel treatment that violate the absolute prohibition against torture,» added Contreras.

She emphasized that «it is imperative to remember that the State has a reinforced duty to protect individuals in custody, whose dignity must always be upheld.»

The court has accepted the complaint for processing, aimed at holding accountable those responsible for the crime of unlawful coercion.

«In this residence, individuals were subjected to living conditions that fell far below the human rights standards enshrined in current legislation. Moreover, during inspections conducted by Senadis, it was found that the staff lacked proper training,» indicated the INDH.

Furthermore, the legal action highlights that the assaults were committed against vulnerable victims with disabilities, who were under the custody and care of private individuals acting in public roles at a facility dependent on Senadis.

«We have requested that the court ensure access to justice through procedural adjustments and communication accessibility measures. It is not enough to conduct an investigation; the judicial system must guarantee full participation, free from discrimination and re-victimization for all victims,» asserted the regional head of the INDH.