Peru Amnesty: Victims of Human Rights Violations
- Amnesty International is condemning a bill approved by the Peruvian Congress that would grant amnesty to members of the armed forces, police, self-defense forces, and state officials involved...
- Bill 7549 also proposes a "humanitarian amnesty" for individuals over 70 who are either serving sentences or awaiting final judgment.
- The proposed amnesty violates international human rights standards,which deem amnesties inadmissible for serious violations and crimes against humanity,according to Amnesty International.
Amnesty International fiercely contests Peru’s amnesty bill, placing the pursuit of justice for human rights violations at grave risk. This crucial report unpacks the details of the bill, exposing how it compromises justice for victims of the armed conflict in Peru between 1980 and 2000. The international body decries the potential release of those convicted of crimes against humanity, emphasizing the bill’s violation of international standards and the denial of victims’ fundamental rights. For years, victims and families have sought justice, truth, and reparation, and this bill threatens those efforts.Read more at News Directory 3, where we delve into the specific cases affected, including the Putis massacre. What’s next for the families and the fight for justice? Discover what’s next …
Peru Amnesty International Rejects Amnesty Bill, Citing Justice Concerns
Updated June 18, 2025
Amnesty International is condemning a bill approved by the Peruvian Congress that would grant amnesty to members of the armed forces, police, self-defense forces, and state officials involved in fighting terrorism between 1980 and 2000. The organization argues the bill jeopardizes justice for victims of human rights abuses and could lead to the release of perpetrators convicted of serious crimes.
Bill 7549 also proposes a “humanitarian amnesty” for individuals over 70 who are either serving sentences or awaiting final judgment. Amnesty International contends that the amnesty, if enacted, would impact at least 156 cases where individuals are serving sentences for crimes against humanity. It also threatens to halt hundreds of ongoing investigations, including the 1984 Putis massacre in Ayacucho, where 123 people were killed.
The proposed amnesty violates international human rights standards,which deem amnesties inadmissible for serious violations and crimes against humanity,according to Amnesty International. Granting amnesty would breach Peru’s international obligation to investigate, prosecute, and punish those responsible for human rights violations, while also denying victims access to justice.
While acknowledging concerns about the health and well-being of prisoners, Amnesty International insists each case must be reviewed individually to ensure any measures taken do not undermine the rights of victims and their families.
thousands of families have been seeking justice, truth and reparation for decades. to close the wounds of the internal armed conflict, it is essential that all victims have access to their rights.
Marina Navarro, executive director of Amnesty International Peru
Marina Navarro, executive director of Amnesty International Peru, expressed concern that Peru is seeking a generalized amnesty after approving a law last year that effectively prescribes crimes against humanity. She emphasized the importance of justice, truth, reparation, and guarantees of non-repetition for victims and Peruvian society.
You cannot turn your back on victims and family members who have been waiting for justice for decades. We will continue to demand justice,truth,reparation and guarantees of non-repetition for the victims and Peruvian society.
Marina Navarro, executive director of amnesty International Peru
What’s next
Amnesty International is urging the Peruvian Congress to reject the bill and is calling on justice authorities to strengthen investigations to ensure justice, truth, and reparation for victims of human rights abuses.