Peruvian rights groups oppose a new bill prohibiting NGOs from legal actions against the state for human rights abuses. The legislation categorizes such actions as a serious offence and increases scrutiny of foreign funding. Prominent NGOs condemned the bill as a blow to democracy, while the government defends it as necessary for ensuring aid effectiveness.
On Thursday, Peruvian rights organizations raised significant concerns regarding a newly adopted legislative bill that restricts non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from engaging in legal actions against the state for human rights violations. Passed by a Congress dominated by right-wing parties, the bill categorizes such legal actions as a “serious offence,” and introduces heightened scrutiny of NGOs regarding their foreign funding sources.
The government has a period of two weeks to enact the bill or to return it to Congress with suggested amendments. Promsex, an NGO advocating for women’s sexual and reproductive rights, condemned the legislation, characterizing it as an “anti-NGO law” that undermines democracy and human rights in Peru, asserting that “we reject this law, which hinders access to justice and perpetuates impunity.”
The Press and Society Institute, a media rights NGO, drew parallels between this legislation and measures enacted by authoritarian regimes throughout Latin America. The Peruvian Congress is striving to exert greater oversight on NGOs that have faced criticism from conservatives for their legal challenges against the state regarding alleged human rights abuses.
A notable case pending before the Inter-American Court for Human Rights involves Celia Ramos, a woman who died following forced sterilization during a state-sponsored campaign in the 1990s. Congress President Eduardo Salhuana defended the bill, stating it aims to ensure that international development assistance is directed to those in need, rather than being utilized by NGOs to initiate actions against the state.
Civil society advocates argue that the measure is unconstitutional, as it effectively grants the government a de facto veto over the operations of associations. Presently, Peru possesses a dedicated governmental agency overseeing NGO activities, ensuring transparency concerning their funding sources.
The recent passage of legislation in Peru that restricts NGOs from pursuing legal action against the state for human rights violations has prompted widespread criticism from various rights groups. This situation raises essential concerns over civil liberties and democratic practices in the country. As the government moves to enact this bill, many organizations contend it represents a significant threat to justice and accountability within Peru’s legal framework.
Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar
