The Peruvian President Dina Boluarte faces a crucial decision regarding a newly passed bill that could greatly hinder the operations of independent journalists and civil organisations. Approved by Congress on March 12, 2025, this controversial law provides the government with extensive powers over foreign-funded organisations, potentially enabling arbitrary penalties against those criticising government policies. This action forms part of a larger strategy by Congress to weaken democratic institutions and impede investigations into human rights abuses.
This bill outlines the government’s ability to block projects based on foreign funding and to ensure proper usage of these funds, creating a chilling effect on groups planning to execute human rights cases against Peruvian authorities. Moreover, the law obliges disclosure of addresses and project plans of organisations receiving foreign aid, raising concerns over the safety of these entities amid increased intimidation from radical groups.
With President Trump’s foreign aid restrictions impacting Peruvian NGOs, the timing of this law is particularly critical. Peru received substantial US assistance over the past year, benefiting many NGOs focused on food security and judicial independence. Yet, Congress justifies the law’s enactment by alleging improper diversion of funds, a claim contradicted by findings from the Peruvian financial intelligence unit showing no suspicious reports linked to these NGOs.
Furthermore, President Boluarte’s lack of vetoes on related legislation could hint at a broader trend of governmental negligence towards safeguarding democratic frameworks. Recent bills undermining investigations into war crimes and crimes against humanity, as well as the redefinition of organised crime, further exemplify potential threats to human rights advocacy.
International laws, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, underline that restrictions on freedoms must be necessary, suitable, and minimally invasive. Critics maintain that the overreaching provisions in this bill contradict these human rights standards, posing a risk to civil society’s fundamental operations. “This law goes much further and could easily be used to punish critics and hinder the work of independent journalists and human rights groups,” states Juanita Goebertus, emphasising the possible repercussions of this legislative move.
President Boluarte is urged to veto a bill that could severely limit the work of independent journalists and NGOs in Peru. The bill, passed by Congress, extends governmental control over foreign-funded organisations. Critics warn it enables punitive measures against dissenters and compromises democratic integrity. Human Rights Watch highlights the law’s conflict with international human rights standards and its potential dangers to advocacy efforts.
In summary, President Boluarte’s impending decision on the anti-NGO bill holds significant implications for civil society and independent journalism in Peru. This legislation, framed as a means to tackle financial misconduct, appears to endanger freedoms of expression and association and could silence criticisms of the government. The international community will be closely watching how Peru navigates these turbulent waters, particularly in light of the broader implications for democracy and human rights.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
