Peru‘s New Law Threatens Investigative Journalism & Human Rights Work – And What It Means for You
Peru is facing a growing crisis for autonomous media and civil society.A recently proposed law, the APCI Law (Ley que regula la transparencia del financiamiento de las organizaciones de la sociedad civil), is sparking widespread concern that it will severely restrict the ability of journalists and human rights advocates to operate effectively. This isn’t just a Peruvian issue; it’s part of a worrying trend across Latin America where governments are increasingly targeting those who hold power accountable.
This article will break down what’s happening, why it matters, and what the potential consequences are for transparency, democracy, and your access to vital details.
What is the APCI Law and Why is it Controversial?
The APCI Law aims to regulate the financing of civil society organizations.However, critics argue it goes far beyond reasonable oversight. Specifically, the law grants the Peruvian state critically important power over what investigations can be conducted.
As Fabiola Torres,director of Salud con Lupa,succinctly puts it: “The state has the power to decide what can be investigated.”
Here’s a breakdown of the key concerns:
* Increased Scrutiny & Potential Restrictions: The law introduces a complex reporting system for organizations receiving foreign funding. This creates a bureaucratic burden that could stifle legitimate work.
* Chilling effect on Funding: The APCI Law could discourage foreign donors from providing financial support to Peruvian NGOs,fearing excessive regulation or potential repercussions.
* Impact on Critical Work: This funding is crucial for investigative journalism, human rights monitoring, environmental protection, and public health initiatives - areas where local funding is often scarce.
* Potential for Political Manipulation: the broad scope of the law raises fears that it could be used to selectively target organizations critical of the government.
The importance of Foreign Funding for Independent Journalism
For years, foreign cooperation has been a lifeline for independent journalists and human rights advocates throughout Latin America. Nonprofit investigative media outlets and NGOs frequently enough rely on international grants to sustain their reporting on vital issues like corruption, environmental crimes, and public health.
In Peru, this model is especially important. Torres explains that investigative journalism in the country relies on nonprofit organizations for sustainability.
Common funding sources include:
* U.S. Agency for International Growth (USAID)
* European Union democracy initiatives
* UNESCO and the International Development Bank
* Private foundations like Open Society and the Ford Foundation
A Regional Trend: Criminalizing Independent Voices
Peru isn’t alone in facing this challenge. Several Latin American governments are enacting laws that restrict funding for independent organizations, often labeling recipients as “foreign agents.” This is a perilous trend that undermines democratic principles.
Consider these examples:
* El Salvador: A May 2025 law requires organizations receiving foreign funding to register as “foreign agents” and pay a hefty 30% tax.
* Nicaragua: Approved a similar “foreign agent” law in 2020.
* Venezuela: Has criminalized international funding for independent investigative journalism since 2010.
These laws aren’t about transparency; they’re about silencing critical voices.
A Growing Threat to Journalists in Peru
The APCI Law comes at a time when the media environment in Peru is already under significant strain. journalists are facing increasing harassment, online attacks, and even physical aggression from officials and their supporters.
recent data is alarming:
* The National Association of Journalists documented nearly 180 cases of aggression against journalists between January and July 2025.
* Two journalists were murdered during that same period.
The APCI Law, according to Torres, is simply “another form of intimidation” designed to force independent media to “disappear.”
What Does This Mean For You?
The consequences of these restrictions extend far beyond the journalists and organizations directly affected. When independent media is silenced, you lose access to crucial information that holds power accountable.
Here’s what’s at stake:
* Reduced Transparency: Less investigative reporting means more opportunities for corruption and wrongdoing to go unchecked.
* Weakened Democracy: A free and independent press is essential for a healthy democracy.
* Erosion of Human Rights: Without robust reporting and advocacy,
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