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Additional Resources

Immigration Detention through the Lens of International Human Rights: Lessons from South America – Global Detention Project Working Paper No. 23

September 2017

Bolivia Immigration Detention

Quick Facts

International migrants (2015): 143,000
New asylum applications (2016): 12

Centres List

No detention centres data available

Statistics Expand all

A. Detention, expulsion, and incarceration statistics

14,598

Criminal prison population

2016

Criminal prison population

Number	Observation Date
14,598	2016
International Centre for Prison Studies (ICPS). Undated website. "World Prison Brief." http://www.prisonstudies.org/world-prison-brief
14,770	2013
International Centre for Prison Studies (ICPS). Undated website. "World Prison Brief." http://www.prisonstudies.org/world-prison-brief
9,406	2010
International Centre for Prison Studies (ICPS). Undated website. "World Prison Brief." http://www.prisonstudies.org/world-prison-brief
7,683	2007
International Centre for Prison Studies (ICPS). Undated website. "World Prison Brief." http://www.prisonstudies.org/world-prison-brief
6,495	2004
International Centre for Prison Studies (ICPS). Undated website. "World Prison Brief." http://www.prisonstudies.org/world-prison-brief
5,577	2001
International Centre for Prison Studies (ICPS). Undated website. "World Prison Brief." http://www.prisonstudies.org/world-prison-brief
6,149	1998
International Centre for Prison Studies (ICPS). Undated website. "World Prison Brief." http://www.prisonstudies.org/world-prison-brief
5,412	1996
International Centre for Prison Studies (ICPS). Undated website. "World Prison Brief." http://www.prisonstudies.org/world-prison-brief

4.1

Percentage of foreign prisoners

2014

Percentage of foreign prisoners

Percentage	Observation Date
4.1	2014
International Centre for Prison Studies (ICPS). Undated website. "World Prison Brief." http://www.prisonstudies.org/world-prison-brief
6.8	2006
International Centre for Prison Studies (ICPS). Undated website. "World Prison Brief." http://www.prisonstudies.org/world-prison-brief

130

Prison population rate (per 100,000 of national population)

2016

Prison population rate (per 100,000 of national population)

Number	Observation Date
130	2016
International Centre for Prison Studies (ICPS). Undated website. "World Prison Brief." http://www.prisonstudies.org/world-prison-brief
140	2013
International Centre for Prison Studies (ICPS). Undated website. "World Prison Brief." http://www.prisonstudies.org/world-prison-brief
93	2010
International Centre for Prison Studies (ICPS). Undated website. "World Prison Brief." http://www.prisonstudies.org/world-prison-brief
80	2007
International Centre for Prison Studies (ICPS). Undated website. "World Prison Brief." http://www.prisonstudies.org/world-prison-brief
71	2004
International Centre for Prison Studies (ICPS). Undated website. "World Prison Brief." http://www.prisonstudies.org/world-prison-brief
65	2001
International Centre for Prison Studies (ICPS). Undated website. "World Prison Brief." http://www.prisonstudies.org/world-prison-brief
76	1998
International Centre for Prison Studies (ICPS). Undated website. "World Prison Brief." http://www.prisonstudies.org/world-prison-brief
70	1996
International Centre for Prison Studies (ICPS). Undated website. "World Prison Brief." http://www.prisonstudies.org/world-prison-brief

B. Demographics and immigration-related statistics

10,725,000

Population

2015

Population

Number	Observation Date
10,725,000	2015
United Nations Population Fund, State of World Population, http://www.unfpa.org/fr/world-population-dashboard

143,000

International migrants

2015

International migrants

Number	Observation Date
143,000	2015
International Migration, 2015, Wall Chart, UN Population, http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/migration/migration-wallchart-2015.shtml

1.3

International migrants as a percentage of the population

2015

International migrants as a percentage of the population

Percentage	Observation Date
1.3	2015
International Migration, 2015, Wall Chart, UN Population, http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/migration/migration-wallchart-2015.shtml

810

Refugees

2018

Refugees

Number	Observation Date
810	2018
UNHCR Population Statistics, http://popstats.unhcr.org/en/overview
786	2017
UNHCR Population Statistics, http://popstats.unhcr.org/en/overview
761	2016
UNHCR Population Statistics http://popstats.unhcr.org/en/persons_of_concern
775	2015
UNHCR Population Statistics http://popstats.unhcr.org/en/persons_of_concern
763	2014
UNHCR Population Statistics http://popstats.unhcr.org/en/persons_of_concern

0.07

Ratio of refugees per 1000 inhabitants

2016

Ratio of refugees per 1000 inhabitants

Number	Observation Date
0.07	2016
UNHCR, "Statistical Yearbook 2016", February 2018, www.unhcr.org/statistics/country/5a8ee0387/unhcr-statistical-yearbook-2016-16th-edition.html
0.07	2014
Statistical Annexes to the Statistical Yearbook 2014, Table 26, "Indicators of host country capacity and contributions", 8 December 2015, https://www.unhcr.org/statistics/country/566584fc9/unhcr-statistical-yearbook-2014-14th-edition.html

12

Total number of new asylum applications

2016

Total number of new asylum applications

Number	Observation Date
12	2016
UNHCR Population Statistics http://popstats.unhcr.org/en/persons_of_concern
42	2014
Statistical Annexes to the Statistical Yearbook 2014, Table 26, "Indicators of host country capacity and contributions", 8 December 2015, https://www.unhcr.org/statistics/country/566584fc9/unhcr-statistical-yearbook-2014-14th-edition.html

61.3

Refugee recognition rate

2014

Refugee recognition rate

Number	Observation Date
61.3	2014
Statistical Annexes to the Statistical Yearbook 2014, Table 26, "Indicators of host country capacity and contributions", 8 December 2015, https://www.unhcr.org/statistics/country/566584fc9/unhcr-statistical-yearbook-2014-14th-edition.html

0

Stateless persons

2016

Stateless persons

Number	Observation Date
0	2016
UNHCR Population Statistics http://popstats.unhcr.org/en/persons_of_concern

Domestic Law Expand all

A. LEGAL TRADITION

Legal tradition Show sources

Name	Observation Date
Civil law	2017
World Legal Systems. University of Ottawa. http://www.juriglobe.ca/

B. LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Core pieces of national legislation Show sources

Name	Year Adopted	Last Year Amended
Ley N°370 del 8 de Mayo 2013, de Migración	2013
Government of Bolivia, "Ley N°370 del 8 de Mayo 2013, Ley de Migración", 8 May 2013, acnur.org/fileadmin/Documentos/BDL/2014/9556.pdf

Additional legislation Show sources

Name	Year Adopted	Last Year Amended
Reglamento de la Ley de migración, DS Nº 1923, 13 de marzo de 2014	2014
Government of Bolivia, "Reglamento de la Ley de migración, DS Nº 1923, 13 de marzo de 2014", 13 March 2014, refworld.org.es/pdfid/5d7fce102.pdf

C. GROUNDS FOR ADMINISTRATIVE IMMIGRATION-RELATED DETENTION

D. CRIMINALIZATION OF IMMIGRATION-RELATED OFFENCES

E. LENGTH OF DETENTION

F. PROCEDURAL STANDARDS

G. NON-CUSTODIAL MEASURES (ALTERNATIVES TO DETENTION)

H. VULNERABLE PERSONS

I. MANDATORY DETENTION

J. EXPEDITED REMOVAL AND RE-ENTRY BAN

K. COVID-19 UPDATES

International Law Expand all

1. Relevant international treaties and date of ratification

International treaties Show sources

Name	Ratification Year
OP ICESCR, Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights	2012
United Nations Treaty Collections, "3. a Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights," April 3, 2018
OP CRC Communications Procedure	2013
United Nations Treaty Collections, "11. d Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure," April 03, 2018, https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetails.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=IV-11-d&chapter=4&clang=_en
CRPD, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities	2009
UN Treaty Collection
ICRMW, International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families	2009
UN Treaty Collection
ICPED, International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance	2008
UN Treaty Collection
OPCAT, Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment	2006
UN Treaty Collection
CTOCTP, Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children	2006
UN Treaty Collection
CAT, Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment	1999
UN Treaty Collection
CRC, Convention on the Rights of the Child	1990
UN Treaty Collection
CEDAW, Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women	1990
UN Treaty Collection
CRSSP, Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons	1983
UN Treaty Collection
ICCPR, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights	1982
UN Treaty Collection
ICESCR, International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights	1982
UN Treaty Collection
CRSR, Geneva Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees	1982
UN Treaty Collection
PCRSR, Protocol to the Geneva Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees	1982
UN Treaty Collection
ICERD, International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination	1970
UN Treaty Collection
VCCR, Vienna Convention on Consular Relations	1970
UN Treaty Collection

Ratio of relevant international treaties ratified

17/19

Individual complaints procedure Show sources

Name	Acceptance Year
CRC, [Third] Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child establishing a communications procedure, 2011	2013
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Human Rights by Country. http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Countries/Pages/HumanRightsintheWorld.aspx
ICESCR, Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, 2008	2012
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Human Rights by Country. http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Countries/Pages/HumanRightsintheWorld.aspx
CRPD, Optional Protocol to o the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities	2009
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Human Rights by Country. http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Countries/Pages/HumanRightsintheWorld.aspx
CAT, declaration under article 22 of the Convention	2006
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Human Rights by Country. http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Countries/Pages/HumanRightsintheWorld.aspx
ICERD, declaration under article 14 of the Convention	2006
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Human Rights by Country. http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Countries/Pages/HumanRightsintheWorld.aspx
CEDAW, Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, 1999	2000
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Human Rights by Country. http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Countries/Pages/HumanRightsintheWorld.aspx
ICCPR, First Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 1966	1982
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Human Rights by Country. http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Countries/Pages/HumanRightsintheWorld.aspx

Ratio of complaints procedures accepted Show sources

Number	Observation Date
7/9
UN Treaty Collection
7/9
UN Treaty Collection

Relevant recommendations issued by treaty bodies Show sources

Name	Recommendation Excerpt	Recommendation Year
Committee on Migrant Workers	§31. The Committee recommends that the State party should take the necessary steps to ensure that its consular services respond more effectively to protect and promote the rights of Bolivian migrant workers and members of their families where necessary and that, in particular, they provide the necessary assistance to any of them who are in detention or subject to an expulsion order.	2013
Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. 'Concluding observations on the second periodic report of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, adopted at its eighteenth session (15–26 April 2013)'. CMW/C/BOL/CO/2. 15 May 2013.
Committee on Migrant Workers	§26. The Committee recommends that the State party ensures that migrants or members of their families when detained for violation of provisions relating to migration are deprived of their liberty for as short a time as possible and that it take steps to guarantee that they are held separately from convicted persons or persons detained pending trial, in accordance with article 17, paragraph 3, of the Convention.	2008
Committee on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. 'Consideration of reports submitted by states parties under article 74 of the convention: Concluding observations of the committee on the protection of the rights of all migrant workers and members of their families: Bolivia'. CMW/C/BOL/CO/1. 2 May 2008.

2. Regional treaties, regulations, and directives

Regional legal instruments Show sources

Name	Year of Ratification (Treaty) / Transposed (Directive) / Adoption (Regulation)
ACHR, American Convention on Human Rights	1979
Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. Basic Documents in the Inter-American System. http://www.oas.org/en/iachr/mandate/basic_documents.asp
IACPPT, Inter-American Convention to Prevent and Punish Torture	2006
Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. Basic Documents in the Inter-American System. http://www.oas.org/en/iachr/mandate/basic_documents.asp
APACHR, Additional Protocol to the American Convention on Human Rights in the Area of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights	2006
Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. Basic Documents in the Inter-American System. http://www.oas.org/en/iachr/mandate/basic_documents.asp
CBDP, Inter-American Convention on the Prevention, Punishment and Eradication of Violence against Women (Convention of Belem do Para)	1994
Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. Basic Documents in the Inter-American System. http://www.oas.org/en/iachr/mandate/basic_documents.asp
IACFDP, Inter-American convention on Forced Disappearance of Persons	1996
Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. Basic Documents in the Inter-American System. http://www.oas.org/en/iachr/mandate/basic_documents.asp

3. Bilateral/Multilateral agreements linked to readmissions

4. Non treaty-based international human rights mechanisms

Visits by special procedures of the Human Rights Council Show sources

Name	Year of Visit	Observation Date
Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance	2012	2015
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). Country and other visits by Special Procedures Mandate Holders since 1998. http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/SP/Pages/countryvisitsa-e.aspx

Relevant recommendations of the UN Universal Periodic Review Show sources

Recomendation Issued	Year Issued	Observation Date
No	2010	2017
Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review Bolivia (Plurinational State of), A/HRC/14/7, 15 March 2010, https://www.upr-info.org/sites/default/files/document/bolivia_plurinational_state_of/session_7_-_february_2010/ahrc147boliviae.pdf
No	2014
Report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review: Plurinational State of Bolivia. 17 December 2014. A/HRC/28/7.

Institutions Expand all

A. Governing structures

B. Institutions responsible for immigration detention

C. Detention monitoring institutions

D. Outsourcing and privatisation

E. Expenditures

F. Foreign sources of funding for detention operations

Socio Economic Data Expand all

A. Economics and Development Indicators

Gross Domestic Product per capita (in USD) Show sources

Gross Domestic Product per capita (in USD)	Observation Date
3,124	2014
The World Bank. GDP Per Capita (current US$).

Remittances to the country Show sources

Remittances to the country (in millions USD)	Observation Date
1,201,000	2015
International Migration, 2015, Wall Chart, UN Population, http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/migration/migration-wallchart-2015.shtml

Unemployment Rate Show sources

Unemployment Rate	Observation Date
	2014
The World Bank. Unemployment, total (% of total labor force), 2014

Net official development assistance (ODA) (in millions USD) Show sources

Net official development assistance (ODA) (in USD)	Observation Date
671.8	2014
OECD - DAC, Net ODA in millions USD, 2014, http://www.oecd.org/dac/stats

Human Development Index Ranking (UNDP) Show sources

Human Development Index Ranking (UNDP)	UNDP four-tiered ranking	Observation Date
110	Medium	2015
Human Development Reports

B. Attitudes and Perceptions

Pew Global Attitudes Poll on Immigration Show sources

% who agree with the statement “We should restrict and control entry of people into our country more than we do now.”	Observation Date
73	2007
Pew Research Center. 2007. "World Publics Welcome Global Trade — But Not Immigration." Pew Research Center. Pew Global Attitudes Project. 4 October 2007. http://www.pewglobal.org/2007/10/04/world-publics-welcome-global-trade-but-not-immigration/

Country Links

Government Agencies

Ministro de Gobierno
- mingobierno@mingobierno.gob.bo
- (591-2) 2440466
Dirección General de Migración
- Migracion-comunicacion@gmail.com
- (591)-2-2110960

International Organisations

IOM Bolivia
- iomlapaz@iom.int
- +59.12 236 90 44
UNHCR Bolivia
- http://www.unhcr.org/bolivia.html
- http://www.refworld.org/country,,UNHCR,,BOL,,,,0.html

NGOs and Research Institutions

Diakonia
- bolivia@diakonia.se
- +591 2 241 47 59
- https://www.diakonia.se/en/Where-we-work/Latin-America/Bolivia/
Amnesty Bolivia
- https://www.amnesty.org/en/countries/americas/bolivia/report-bolivia/
- Americas Media Manager, duncan.tucker@amnesty.org
Ombudsman (Defensoría del Pueblo)
- +591 211 3600
- tsubieta@defensoria.gob.bo

Media

Los Tiempos Bolivia
- http://www.lostiempos.com/contacto

Additional Resources

Immigration Detention through the Lens of International Human Rights: Lessons from South America – Global Detention Project Working Paper No. 23

September 2017

Why hasn’t South America witnessed the same growth in immigration detention regimes that has occurred in the rest of the world? This Global Detention Project Working Paper discusses developments across the region through the lens of international human rights standards.