The Peruvian Congress has passed a bill that could severely restrict independent journalism and civil society organizations by expanding government control over foreign funding. Human Rights Watch has called on President Dina Boluarte to veto this legislation, which poses significant threats to democracy, human rights, and judicial independence in Peru.
On March 12, 2025, the Peruvian Congress approved a controversial bill that could severely restrict the operations of independent journalists and civil society organizations. Human Rights Watch has urged President Dina Boluarte to veto this legislation, which expands governmental authority over organizations receiving foreign funding. The vague language of the bill enables arbitrary penalties against entities that challenge government policies, thereby threatening democratic institutions and judicial independence in Peru.
The proposed legislation would allow the government to block and suspend projects funded by foreign contributions under the guise of ensuring their proper use. It specifically defines “misuse” as utilizing foreign funds to pursue any actions against the Peruvian state in domestic or international forums, which could hinder human rights advocacy. Furthermore, the requirement for public disclosure of foreign-funded organizations’ addresses and project plans raises serious concerns about safety, particularly in light of recent intimidation tactics employed by extremist groups.
This legislative move coincides with decreased foreign aid to Peruvian NGOs, a result of prior policy changes by the US government. Despite being a significant recipient of US assistance, groups focused on critical social issues, like food insecurity and judicial independence, face potential demise due to these funding cuts. Congress justified the bill by claiming a need to prevent financial mishandling; however, a report revealed no substantial evidence linking NGOs to such activities.
Human Rights Watch criticized the Congress for targeting NGOs rather than addressing actual concerns regarding illegal mining and organized crime. Critics argue that if Congress pursued its stated aim of combating money laundering, it would focus on the latter rather than stifling civil society.
Historically, President Boluarte has not vetoed various legislative measures that erode democratic principles. She did not object to earlier bills that limited the prosecution of war crimes or restricted the definition of organized crime, decisions which could jeopardize the integrity of legal investigations.
International human rights laws, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, stipulate that any limitations on freedom of expression and association must serve legitimate goals and adhere to proportionality. The current bill’s broad provisions clash with these principles, raising alarms about its potential misuse to silence dissenting voices and inhibit independent journalism.
Human Rights Watch asserts that regulating civil society for corruption prevention is legitimate; however, this new law can easily be weaponized against critics in Peru, fundamentally compromising freedoms vital for a healthy democracy.
In conclusion, the Peruvian Congress’s recent bill threatens the essential functions of independent journalists and civil society organizations by expanding governmental control over foreign funding. This measure is indicative of a broader trend aimed at undermining democratic values, judicial independence, and human rights in the country. President Boluarte’s potential veto is crucial in determining Peru’s commitment to upholding democratic norms and protecting civil liberties.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
