I. Introduction: Freedom in Retreat
Bolivia, once seen as a country striving for inclusion and democratic reform, is increasingly marked by restrictions on civil rights. Freedom of expression, assembly, and political participation have been steadily eroded through state repression and legal manipulation. For many Bolivians, this deterioration of rights has created an environment of fear and insecurity, leaving migration as the only option to secure safety and dignity abroad.

II. Suppression of Protest Movements
Peaceful protests in Bolivia are frequently met with violence. Security forces deploy tear gas, rubber bullets, and even live ammunition to disperse demonstrators. This excessive use of force deters citizens from exercising their right to protest, shrinking the space for civic participation.

III. Criminalisation of Dissent
Activists, journalists, and opposition figures often face criminal charges designed to silence them. Accusations of sedition, terrorism, or threats to national security are commonly used against dissenting voices. This criminalisation erodes trust in institutions and discourages democratic engagement.

IV. Censorship and Media Control
Independent media outlets face censorship, harassment, and financial pressure from the state. Journalists who expose corruption or human rights abuses risk threats, violence, or closure of their platforms. The lack of media freedom deprives citizens of reliable information and limits public debate.

V. Restrictions on Civil Society Organisations
Civil society groups are subjected to surveillance, intimidation, and restrictive laws that limit their ability to operate. Organisations advocating for human rights, indigenous rights, and environmental protections are particularly targeted. These restrictions silence critical voices and weaken the role of civil society in holding the state accountable.

VI. Harassment of Opposition Parties
Political opposition in Bolivia faces systematic harassment. Leaders are often arrested, disqualified from elections, or subjected to smear campaigns. This undermines political pluralism and concentrates power in the hands of ruling elites.

VII. Impacts on Indigenous and Rural Communities
Indigenous and rural communities, already marginalised, are disproportionately affected by civil rights restrictions. When they mobilise to defend land or protest against resource exploitation, they face violent repression and criminalisation. This exclusion perpetuates cycles of inequality and displacement.

VIII. Gendered Dimensions of Repression
Women activists face gender-specific harassment, including sexual violence and targeted intimidation. These attacks aim to silence their voices and discourage their participation in social and political life. The gendered dimension of repression adds another layer of vulnerability for Bolivian women.

IX. Weak Judicial Protections
Judicial institutions, compromised by corruption and political interference, fail to uphold civil rights. Cases of abuse by security forces or authorities are rarely investigated, reinforcing impunity. This lack of accountability deepens citizens’ disillusionment and mistrust in the state.

X. Migration as a Defence of Rights
For many Bolivians, migration is seen as a last resort to secure freedoms denied at home. Asylum claims frequently cite persecution for political activity, activism, or participation in protests. Leaving the country becomes an act of survival and a means of reclaiming dignity and liberty.

XI. Diaspora Advocacy and Solidarity
Bolivians abroad have built networks to support exiles and raise awareness of civil rights abuses. Through international advocacy, they pressure global institutions to hold Bolivia accountable for its human rights obligations.

XII. Conclusion: A Nation Driving Out Its Citizens
The erosion of civil rights in Bolivia is not just a political crisis—it is a human crisis. By suppressing protests, silencing dissent, and restricting freedoms, the state is driving its
citizens abroad. Until Bolivia restores protections for civil liberties and ensures accountability, migration will remain the only path for many seeking safety and justice.