The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volke Turk, vocalized significant concerns this Monday regarding the severe police force used during the recent protests in Madagascar, which erupted over prolonged water and electricity shortages.

In a distressing turn of events, what began as peaceful demonstrations on September 25, 2025, escalated as protesters faced brutal police interventions. Initially focused on utility failures, the scope of the protests quickly widened. Demonstrators, enduring harsh conditions, expanded their demands to include the resignation of key political figures, alleging violations of fundamental rights.

The intensity of the protests heightened with the imposition of a curfew by the Prefect of Antananarivo, Angelo Ravelonarivo. The police response included the use of teargas, beatings, and even live ammunition against the demonstrators, some of whom were arrested. The Civil Society Platform for Children condemned the use of tear gas near educational institutions, emphasizing the grave health and psychological risks to children exposed to such measures.

In his statement, Turk expressed his shock and sadness over the casualties and urged the Madagascar authorities to honor international human rights obligations concerning freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. He emphatically called for the immediate release of those detained arbitrarily and stressed the necessity for police to adhere strictly to international standards on the use of firearms.

These protests in Madagascar are a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for civil liberties and the concerning trend of excessive force used by law enforcement in some African nations during public demonstrations.

The international community, represented by voices like Turk's, continues to advocate for justice and the upholding of human rights standards, hoping to see a resolution that respects the voices and safety of the Malagasy people.