President Boluarte is urged to veto a restrictive bill passed by Congress that threatens the work of independent journalists and civil society groups in Peru, expanding government control over foreign-funded organizations under vague pretenses, thus risking democratic integrity.
Peruvian President Dina Boluarte is urged by Human Rights Watch to veto a bill passed by Congress that would impose severe restrictions on independent journalists and civil society organizations. The legislation, approved on March 12, 2025, expands government authority over organizations receiving foreign funding, allowing arbitrary penalties against those who criticize government policies. This development is viewed as part of broader efforts by Congress to undermine democratic institutions and obstruct inquiries into human rights abuses.
The proposed law contains vague language, which could be interpreted to penalize groups that utilize foreign funds to pursue legal actions against the Peruvian state regarding human rights violations. It also mandates public disclosure of addresses and projects of organizations, raising concerns about harassment and intimidation from right-wing groups targeting human rights defenders and journalists.
Amid reductions in foreign aid, primarily following US policies under President Donald Trump, Peruvian NGOs that address crucial issues like food insecurity face challenges. Despite Congress’s claims regarding improper fund usage, no suspicious transactions involving NGOs were reported from 2010 to 2020. Most suspicious activities linked to organized crime remain inadequately addressed by legislation.
Historically, President Boluarte has not vetoed several laws that threaten the rule of law, including bills limiting the prosecution of war crimes and narrowing the definition of organized crime, which complicates investigations into corruption.
Legal obligations under international treaties constrain Peru in restricting freedoms of expression and association to narrowly defined legitimate goals. However, the new bill’s provisions seem excessively broad, posing risks to independent civil society and media operations by hindering their ability to secure funding or operate freely. Human Rights Watch charges that the law could suppress legitimate criticism and impede the work of human rights groups.
In summary, Human Rights Watch calls for President Boluarte to veto the restrictive bill impacting journalists and civil society in Peru. The law’s vague stipulations threaten democratic values and could enable government retaliation against dissent. As Peru navigates its legal obligations under international human rights conventions, the necessity for preserving independent journalism and civil discourse remains crucial amid rising authoritarian tendencies.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
