Peru’s congress has enacted a controversial anti-NGO law, limiting civil society’s capacity to seek justice for human rights abuses. This law enhances government oversight over NGOs and international aid, raising concerns about transparency and independence. Activists consider it a significant regression in human rights protection, reflecting broader government-led attacks on civil liberties.
Human rights organizations in Peru express significant concern over a new anti-NGO law, which limits civil society’s ability to pursue legal action against the state for human rights violations. This legislation could hinder access to justice for marginalized groups. Recently, Peru’s congress passed a harsher amendment to an existing bill, garnering 81 votes in favor, with 16 against and four abstentions.
The law strengthens the Peruvian Agency for International Cooperation (APCI) by enhancing its oversight of international aid, potentially undermining the operational independence of non-profit organizations. This action is part of a broader trend of government-led infringements on civil liberties, particularly affecting human rights and media freedom, which have ignited international alarm amidst low approval ratings for President Dina Boluarte.
Proponents of the legislation argue that it fosters greater transparency regarding funding and combats foreign influence. Ahead of the voting, Alejandro Aguinaga, a member of the rightwing Fuerza Popular party, claimed NGOs exploit international aid for personal gain at the expense of impoverished Peruvians. Notably, Aguinaga has been accused of facilitating forced sterilizations of Indigenous women.
Carlos Rivera, director of the Legal Defense Institute, criticized the law as “simply brutal,” asserting it could critically undermine the legal recourse for human rights abuse victims, most of whom are supported by NGOs. He outlined the severe penalties, including fines up to $500,000 for NGOs pursuing legal challenges against the government. Rivera described it as one of the most unconstitutional laws passed since the controversial amnesty laws of 1995, which protected military and police from prosecution for human rights abuses.
Julia Urrunaga, the Peru director for the Environmental Investigation Agency, contended that accusations of NGO accountability are unfounded, highlighting their compliance with APCI regulations for over two decades. She emphasized that the new law restricts civil society organizations’ ability to operate independently in defending citizens’ rights.
Moreover, the regional organization for Amazon Indigenous peoples, Orpio, condemned the law as a significant regression in the protection of Indigenous rights and justice access. Given Peru’s tumultuous history with military regimes and corruption, civil society organizations have been critical to the nation’s progress.
The ultra-conservative faction in Peru has also propagated claims that USAID funds are misused for political agendas, leading to a reduction of foreign aid by Donald Trump earlier this year. President Boluarte’s administration openly criticizes NGOs, suggesting human rights discourse is weaponized against state authority. Additionally, Boluarte faces scrutiny related to anti-government protests that resulted in numerous fatalities and allegations of corruption involving high-value gifts.
The recent passage of the anti-NGO law in Peru has raised alarms regarding its potential to undermine human rights protections. By restricting the ability of civil society organizations to challenge state actions, the legislation threatens access to justice for vulnerable populations. The shift in government policy illustrates a broader crackdown on civil liberties and press freedoms, prompting both national and international opposition.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
