Peruvian rights groups have condemned a newly adopted bill that restricts NGOs from filing legal actions against the state for human rights abuses. The law intensifies scrutiny on NGO funding and classifies legal support actions as serious offenses. Critics argue it poses a threat to democracy and access to justice, while the government defends it as a mechanism to ensure international aid efficacy.
On Thursday, various Peruvian rights organizations voiced strong opposition regarding the recent adoption of a legislative bill that prohibits non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from pursuing legal action against the state in cases of human rights violations. This law, passed by Congress, which is predominantly controlled by right-wing parties, classifies it as a “serious offense” for NGOs to “advise, assist or finance” any lawsuits against the government and intensifies scrutiny on the international funding sources of NGOs.
The government now has a two-week timeframe to either implement the bill or return it to Congress with amendments. Promsex, an organization advocating for women’s sexual and reproductive rights, condemned the legislation, labeling it the “anti-NGO law” and describing it as a detrimental action against democracy and human rights in Peru. Promsex asserted, “We reject this law, which hinders access to justice and perpetuates impunity.”
Additionally, the Press and Society Institute, which works to protect media rights, likened the bill to similar legislation enacted by authoritarian governments across Latin America. The Peruvian Congress appears to be focusing on tightening oversight of NGOs that have faced criticism from conservative factions for their legal actions against the state concerning alleged human rights abuses.
A notable case involves Celia Ramos, a woman who tragically died after being subjected to forced sterilization in the 1990s as part of a government campaign, currently pending before the Inter-American Court for Human Rights. Eduardo Salhuana, the president of Congress, suggested that the intent of the bill is to guarantee that international aid directly benefits its intended recipients rather than being utilized by NGOs in confrontations with the state.
Civil society organizations contest the constitutionality of the bill, arguing that it effectively grants the government unilateral authority over the operations of associations. Notably, Peru already has a dedicated agency responsible for monitoring NGO activities and ensuring financial transparency.
The recent passage of the ‘anti-NGO’ bill by the Peruvian Congress has sparked significant outrage among various rights groups, who argue it obstructs justice and contravenes constitutional rights. Highlighting the bill’s implications, the criticism from organizations such as Promsex underscores the potential for increased state control over NGOs and the dire consequences for human rights advocacy. The situation invites urgent scrutiny and debate on the preservation of democratic principles in Peru.
Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar
