Fears for human rights as Peru passes ‘simply brutal’ anti-NGO law

Children in the San Pablo neighborhood of Piura, Peru. Photograph: Martín Mejía/AP

Human rights groups in Peru have voiced alarm over a controversial anti-NGO law that prevents civil society organisations from taking legal action against the state for human rights abuses – a move that activists say will prevent the vulnerable from accessing justice.

Peru’s deeply unpopular congress added a harsher amendment to an existing bill which was fast-tracked through the chamber with 81 votes in favour, 16 against and four abstentions on Wednesday.