Amnesty International has raised alarms regarding Peru’s Congress passing an amendment to Law 27692, which governs the Peruvian Agency for International Cooperation (APCI). The organisation warns that this reform could curtail human rights activism and foster governmental impunity for violations. This newly approved amendment empowers authorities to impose arbitrary constraints on non-governmental organisations (NGOs), particularly those relying on international funding, requiring their activities to gain prior government sanction.
The amendment’s implications could potentially undermine the judicial recourse available to victims of human rights violations, reclassifying legal actions against the state as a “very serious” offence. This downgrading of accountability may inadvertently bolster a climate of impunity, limiting the ability of victims to seek justice before national or international courts.
In light of these developments, Amnesty International has implored the Peruvian government to rescind the harmful amendment, urging adherence to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the American Convention on Human Rights, both of which safeguard freedoms of expression, association, and participation.
Established in 2002, the APCI oversees the coordination of international technical cooperation with various levels of government and civil society. The recent congressional amendment, which emerged on March 13, has drawn ire from civil society groups, highlighting fears that it serves to harass and stifle NGOs advocating for human rights.
The Instituto de Defensa Legal (IDL), a prominent human rights organisation, condemned the passage of this bill, arguing it increases unjust penalties against NGOs and obstructs victims from accessing justice. Additionally, Indigenous organisations expressed concern that the new law will enhance governmental oppression toward Indigenous communities, who depend on international assistance to safeguard their rights and land from corporate and governmental exploitation.
Peru has recently faced scrutiny for manipulating legal frameworks to obscure its involvement in human rights violations, including environmental degradation. Notably, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights found Peru in violation of residents’ rights in La Oroya, attributing severe pollution to mining activities. Moreover, a bill passed in July 2024 introduced a statute of limitations for crimes against humanity, despite warnings from human rights advocates that it may derail ongoing investigations into serious abuses.
Amnesty International has criticized Peru’s Congress for approving an amendment to Law 27692, which threatens human rights activism by imposing arbitrary restrictions on NGOs. The changes could curtail access to justice for victims of human rights abuses and increase government impunity. Amnesty called on the Peruvian government to reject the amendment, citing obligations under international human rights treaties. Domestic organisations have voiced concerns about governmental oppression, especially towards Indigenous communities relying on international support.
In summary, the approval of the amendment to Law 27692 has significant implications for human rights and civil society in Peru. It consolidates governmental authority over NGOs, potentially stifling their capacity to operate freely. The reform raises pressing concerns about justice for victims of human rights violations and the fundamental freedoms guaranteed under international law. Calls for the government to retract this amendment underscore the necessity of protecting vulnerable populations and maintaining accountability within the state.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
