Peru Congress Passes Controversial Anti-NGO Law

Peru's Congress has approved a controversial reform to the international cooperation law, imposing extensive restrictions on civil society organizations and limiting their ability to take legal action against the state for human rights abuses. Critics, including human rights groups, argue that the law creates a climate of repression and threatens the independence of non-profits, with provisions that make it a serious offense for NGOs to financially or legally support cases against the government. Supporters assert that the legislation enhances transparency regarding foreign aid, but opponents contend it undermines efforts to protect vulnerable communities and fight corruption. Carlos Rivera, director of the Legal Defense Institute, described the law as one of the most unconstitutional measures passed in Peru since the 1995 amnesty laws, which previously shielded perpetrators of human rights violations. The move has prompted widespread condemnation, with activists warning of severe repercussions for access to justice, particularly for Indigenous populations reliant on NGO support. The legislation reflects a broader trend of government-backed rollbacks on civil and human rights in Peru, amid plummeting approval ratings for President Dina Boluarte and Congress.