India, Nov. 9 -- New York/IBNS: United Nations human rights experts on Friday condemned the excessive use of force during Chile's ongoing street protests, and in a statement underscored that violence "can never be the answer to people's social and political demands".

At least 20 people are reported to have been killed and about 1,600 injured, including police officers, during protests that began in early October over rising transport costs and inequality, that has become deeply entrenched in the Latin American country.

Throughout the weeks of demonstrations, the Human Rights Council-appointed independent experts have spoken out against the excessive force used by security forces.

"The high number of wounded and the way in which non-let...