Legislation

Peru Passes Law Regulating NGO Operations

MAR 14 2025·Updated MAR 15 2025

Story

Above: Peruvian Pres. Dina Boluarte. Image credit: Manuel Orbegozo/Contributor/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The Facts

Peru's Congress has approved a reform to the international cooperation law that prevents civil society and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from taking legal action against the state for any alleged human rights abuses.
Dw.Com
Guardian
National Post
The legislation, adopted Wednesday by Congress, modifies the 2002 legislation that established the Peruvian Agency for International Cooperation (APCI). It regulates the oversight of international aid that NGOs receive.
Barrons
Morning Star
The legislation expands the APCI's powers, making it a serious offense with fines of up to $500K for NGOs to litigate or legally support cases against the government, both nationally and internationally.
Guardian
Buenos Aires Times
ap
The new law increases scrutiny of NGOs' foreign funding sources and requires organizations to obtain pre-approval from the government for their planned activities. Operations without such approval are considered illegal.
Dw.Com
Buenos Aires Times
The Peruvian government has two weeks to enact or return the bill to Congress with proposed amendments. Meanwhile, Pres. Dina Boluarte said she would bring legislation to expel and ban foreign companies involved in alleged acts of corruption.
The Municheye
Andina
This legislative change follows Peru's history of controversial laws, reminiscent of the 1995 amnesty laws that were later declared unconstitutional for violating the right to justice and breaching international human rights standards.
The Washington Post
Guardian

Sources Split

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RIGHT

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The Spin

Narrative A

The law enhances transparency and accountability in NGO operations. It prevents organizations from operating without proper oversight and using international cooperation funds for their benefit at the expense of Peru's poorest citizens. It also ensures that development aid reaches its intended beneficiaries rather than being used against state interests.

Andina

Narrative B

This legislation is a severe violation of constitutional rights and democratic principles, effectively silencing civil society organizations and preventing vulnerable populations from accessing justice. It creates a climate of repression that threatens the independence of non-profit organizations working to defend human rights.