Amnesty International has raised significant concerns regarding the recent amendments to Law 27692, which governs the Peruvian Agency for International Cooperation (APCI). This ruling is seen as a severe threat to civic freedoms, restricting vital rights such as association, expression, and access to justice. In enhancing the APCI’s authority, the law inadvertently stifles civic engagement, enabling undue constraints on civil society activities.
The amendments mandate that any civil society work funded by international development must receive prior state approval. This alarming stipulation places power solely in the hands of authorities, who could potentially exclude organisations critical of the government from the APCI register, undermining civic accountability.
This legislation also categorises the advisory use of development funds for legal actions against the state as a “very serious” offence, chilling access to justice for many victims of human rights abuses in Peru. Such restrictions are particularly detrimental to those seeking justice for state violence, pollution, and gender-based violence, according to Ana Piquer, the Americas director at Amnesty International.
Amnesty International warns that these developments could erode the accountability and transparency of the state while encouraging impunity for rights violations. They urgently call on the government to reject this law, urging adherence to international human rights obligations that protect freedoms of association and expression, as well as participation in public affairs.
Amnesty International vehemently opposes the recent amendments to the APCI law, stating it threatens civic space and restricts rights like freedom of expression and access to justice. The changes require state approval for civil society funding, risk excluding critical organisations, and categorise the use of development funds to challenge the state as a serious offence, jeopardising justice for victims of rights abuses.
In light of these developments, the amendments to the APCI law represent a considerable risk to civil freedoms in Peru. They threaten the foundation of civic engagement and the right to justice while potentially shielding authorities from accountability for human rights violations. Amnesty International’s stance is clear: this law must be overturned to uphold Peru’s commitment to human rights protections.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
