On April 14, 2025, the Peruvian government enacted a law that significantly restricts the activities of civil society organizations (CSOs), particularly those receiving international funding. This legislation has been condemned by various international organizations, including the Center for Justice and International Law (CEJIL), the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA), and the Due Process of Law Foundation (DPLF), who argue that it undermines human rights and the independence of civil society.
The law grants the Peruvian Agency for International Cooperation (APCI) extensive powers to control and sanction CSOs. Organizations must now obtain prior approval from the APCI to execute their plans, programs, projects, and activities, effectively subjecting their work to state authorization and restricting their autonomy. Failure to comply can result in severe penalties, including fines up to 500 Tax Units (approximately US$720,000) and suspension or cancellation of the organization’s registration.
Additionally, the law classifies as a “very serious offense” the use of international aid funds to provide counsel, assistance, or financing for actions—whether administrative, judicial, or otherwise—against the Peruvian state. This provision could penalize CSOs that support individuals or communities affected by human rights violations, such as representing victims of gender-based violence or advocating for adequate pensions.
International Reactions
The enactment of this law has drawn widespread criticism from international bodies. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), United Nations agencies, and several governments that are cooperation partners with Peru have expressed concern that the law violates international human rights standards and could be used to restrict civic space and persecute critical voices in the country. Amnesty International has also highlighted that the law obstructs victims’ access to justice, particularly in cases of state repression, environmental harm, or gender violence, where CSOs have historically played a crucial role.
Broader Implications
This development is part of a troubling regional trend of closing civic spaces. Various governments have implemented regulations imposing disproportionate controls over CSOs, limiting their ability to operate independently and without undue interference. Critics argue that such measures are often justified under the guise of enhancing transparency but serve to suppress dissent and curtail fundamental freedoms.
The enactment of this law represents a significant setback for human rights and democracy in Peru. Organizations and individuals committed to defending rights and promoting justice are now facing increased challenges in carrying out their essential work. The international community continues to call for the repeal of this law and for the protection of civil society’s role in advocating for human rights and holding the state accountable.
You can read the full press release from CEJIL here: Serious threat to civic space in Peru.
Recent Comments