Peru faces a deep political crisis undermining democracy and the rights of vulnerable populations, including women and the LGBTI+ community. Key advocates like Gina Vargas and Antonella Martel highlight the risks posed by conservative policies that threaten progress. Issues such as femicide and discrimination persist, drawing attention to the urgent need for advocacy and reinforced protections, particularly as institutional support wanes.
Peru is experiencing a political crisis that undermines its democratic institutions and impacts the rights of vulnerable groups, especially women and the LGBTI+ community. Gina Vargas, a prominent feminist, expresses concern about the rise of conservatives aiming to reverse the progress made in women’s rights since the Beijing Conference in 1995. With over 17 million women in Peru, the implications of a weakened state are dire as officials are failing to combat discrimination and violence against women effectively.
The current government has introduced regressive policies that threaten the mechanisms for protecting women’s rights. Vargas warns of the dangers posed to institutions like the Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations (MIMP) due to mergers that dilute authority and accountability. Official statistics reflect a significant issue of femicide, with 170 cases reported in 2024 alone, revealing systemic failure in addressing gender-based violence.
Another voice of concern is Antonella Martel, a psychologist, who fears potential rollbacks of hard-won rights amidst distrust in institutions. Despite existing laws against gender-based violence, Martel critiques the complexity of accessing justice. She emphasizes that the weakening of governmental structures could exacerbate daily threats to women’s safety.
Lawyer María Ysabel Cedano highlights the grave risks posed by a state drifting towards fundamentalism and autocracy, invoking historical precedents of authoritarianism in Peru. The legacy of Alberto Fujimori, who implemented dangerous population control measures, looms over the current landscape, where anti-rights movements seek to erode decades of progress for gender equality and human rights.
Looking ahead, Cedano cautions that democratic institutions are failing to safeguard rights, particularly for LGBTI+ individuals, who lack legal protections for issues like gender identity and same-sex marriage. She underscores a pervasive atmosphere of discrimination that impedes the quest for equality, citing alarming societal statistics highlighting violence against sexual minorities.
The merging of institutions responsible for promoting gender equality poses significant risks for women’s rights and LGBTI+ protections. Cedano laments, “They make you feel guilty and responsible for the consequences of coming out… and that involves multiple and terrible acts of violence.” This climate of fear highlights the urgent need for renewed advocacy and support for rights in Peru amid a deteriorating political landscape.
In Peru, a conservative government is increasingly undermining democracy and the rights of vulnerable groups. The country is currently facing a political crisis, marked by high disapproval ratings for government officials and rampant corruption. This context exacerbates existing issues related to discrimination, violence, and inadequate institutional responses to gender-based violence. The founding of the Beijing Global Action Platform in 1995 marked a turning point in women’s rights activism, yet the current administration seeks to unravel these important advancements. The role of the Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations has come under threat from regressive legislation aiming to merge it with other ministries, which proponents of women’s rights view as a dilution of protections for women and LGBTI+ individuals. Activists highlight the need for stronger alliances among civil society to resist these trends, especially given the concerning rise of blatant fundamentalism and authoritarian governance in the region. The voices of feminists, lawyers, and psychologists reveal a growing fear among the populace that hard-fought gains concerning women’s and LGBTI+ rights may be reversed, worsening the social and institutional landscape for these groups in the coming years.
The ongoing political crisis in Peru signifies a troubling trajectory for democracy and the rights of women and LGBTI+ individuals. Under the influence of conservative forces, the protective frameworks built over decades are being threatened through legislative actions that prioritize fundamentalist sentiments over democratic values. Activists warn of escalating discrimination and violence against these communities, signaling an urgent need for solidarity and resistance. The haunting legacy of past authoritarian regimes contributes to the present climate, prompting calls for renewed efforts to safeguard human rights and foster inclusive governance.
Original Source: havanatimes.org
