THE PERU SUPPORT GROUP

NEWS

• 

  PSG News Summary: January 2012

  01 February 2012

  Shining Path Group Denied Political Status
  
  On 20th January Peru’s National Elections Board (JNE) announced it had refused political party status to an organisation linked to the remnants of extremist insurgent group, Shining Path (SP).

  The organisation, known as the Movement for Amnesty and Fundamental Rights (Movadef), was founded by Alfredo Crespo, the lawyer of imprisoned SP leader, Abimael Guzmán.

  Crespo had attracted controversy in recent weeks when he publicly denied that SP, a group responsible for numerous civilian massacres and over half the civil war dead, perpetrated acts of terrorism in the 1980s and 90s. Movadef has also argued in favour of amnesties for Guzmán and other former insurgents (and state officials) convicted of committing abuses during the country’s civil war.

  Movadef applied for legal status as a political party after claiming to have collected 350,000 signatures of support, more than double the number required by JNE. However, doubts were later raised about the validity of the signatures, leading Lima’s Public Prosecutor Zoila Tapia Medina to announce a criminal investigation into the matter on 23rd January.

  Prior to the JNE decision, numerous politicians, commentators and organisations had all declared their objections to the group’s application. Human Rights Ombudsman Eduardo Vega denounced the group as a SP front and said their refusal to renounce terrorism should prevent them from obtaining political party status. Former presidents Alan García and Alejandro Toledo also voiced their opposition to the Movadef application.

  In a rare show of unity, politicians from across the political spectrum subsequently jointly proposed amending the Law on Political Parties to ban political movements with links to violent groups from participating in the political process. The measure will be debated by Congress in the coming weeks.

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  Mining Contracts to Include Environmental Fund
  
  In early January the Humala administration announced plans to oblige extractive firms to contribute to an environmental conservation fund as part of all future mining contracts. The fund will be used to address any negative environmental impacts of extractive projects and to compensate nearby communities where such damage occurs.

  Mining investors will also have to contribute to a separate social inclusion fund, which will be used to finance education, health and infrastructure projects.The fund will also invest in infrastructure projects in poor parts of the country which do no currently benefit from mining royalties.

  The above two funds form part of a broader strategy to combat escalating social conflict in the country. Another recently announced initiative will see the creation of a state institution to deal with protests related to large investment projects in the country.

  Prime Minister Oscar Valdés, who announced the measures, said the new agency would have a presence in all regions of the country and would be principally responsible for the prevention and resolution of conflicts concerning water, territorial rights and mining. Valdés also pledged that domestic users would be given priority access to water over industrial projects where water supplies are scarce.

  While the creation of the funds was welcomed by a number of community organisations, many continued to doubt the government’s commitment to give locals priority over water supplies. They say the government’s reaction to the Minas Conga protests, which saw a state of emergency declared in Cajamarca, reflect the fact that mining companies’ interests would continue to come first.

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  Anti-Drugs Czar Resigns

  On 10th January the government announced that Ricardo Soberón, a lawyer and expert in the illegal drugs trade, would step down as Peru’s anti-drug chief, just five months after taking the post.

  Soberón’s August appointment to Devida (National Commission for Development and Life without Drugs) appeared to signal a shift in Peru’s counter narcotics policy, which traditionally focused heavily on the eradication of illegal crops. According to UN figures, the area of illegal coca cultivation in Peru increased from 40,000 to 60,000 hectares over the last decade, leading some to question the efficacy of the eradication programme.

  Soberón sought to shift counternarcotics efforts away from the coca growers - who are invariably impoverished campesinos - and onto criminal syndicates who control the illegal drugs trade. In practice, this would mean working closely with campesinos to reduce illegal coca cultivation whilst simultaneously clamping down on the laundering of drugs profits by mafia structures.

  Shortly after assuming office, Soberón temporarily suspended eradication efforts in the Upper Huallaga valley in order to conduct a full review of national drug policy. The move was opposed by the US government, a leading proponent and important financier of crop eradication, and Soberón was subsequently excluded from a fact-finding trip to Pucallpa organised by its embassy in Peru. Soberón faced further criticism from conservative media and political groups in Peru which claimed his previous links with coca growers compromised his ability to carry out his role effectively.

  Following his resignation, Soberón was replaced by Carmen Masías, a former USAID consultant who describes eradication efforts as “absolutely indispensible”. The move brings the country’s drug policy back in line with those of its foreign partners. Current plans are for Peru to eradicate 14,000 hectares of illicit coca crops this year, a 40% increase from 2011.

  Since Masías’s appointment the U.S. has reaffirmed its support by donating Peru an additional US$ 2.3m (£1.47m) of equipment and weapons for counternarcotics operations. Interior Minister Daniel Lozada also announced the country would soon sign an anti-drugs cooperation agreement with the E.U.
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  Environment Minister Offered Yanacocha Job
  
  On 21 January, investigative outfit IDL Reporterosrevealed that Minera Yanacocha, the owner of the controversial Minas Conga project, had offered Environment Minister Manuel Pulgar Vidal a senior position at the company shortly before he was appointed to the government.

  Between July and October 2011 Yanacocha met several times with Pulgar Vidal to discuss a possible employment opportunity at the firm. The firm formally offered Pulgar Vidal, then executive director of the Peruvian Environmental Law Society, a managerial post on at least two occasions. The job would principally have involved improving the firm’s relations with regional and local authorities.

  The company claims it interviewed several other candidates for the position. IDL-Reporteros however, reports the post was created especially for Pulgar Vidal and that once he was appointed to the government, the position was closed.

  Pulgar Vidal took over from Ricardo Giesecke as environment minister in December following a cabinet reshuffle precipitated by disagreements within government over how best to address the Minas Conga protests. One of the most pressing tasks for his ministry will be attempting to broker an agreement between Yanacocha and its local opponents, who fear the proposed mine would contaminate their water supply.

  A number of those coordinating the Minas Conga protests say Pulgar Vidal’s prior connection to Yanacocha may serve to undermine his credibility with the communities during any negotiations. According to environmental campaigner Father Marco Arana “it is very worrying that the mining company had sought to incorporate him — from among the numerous professionals in the country — to join their ranks and legitimise highly questionable business activities…it would have been better if the minister had himself declared that he had had talks with the firm over this issue, rather than it being revealed through investigative journalism”.

  The government has commissioned an international review of Yanacocha’s environmental impact study for the Minas Conga project. Once members of the panel have been agreed, the review is estimated to take around 40 days to complete.

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  Vice President Chehade Resigns
  
  Peru’s second Vice President Omar Chehade resigned his government post on 17th January following allegations of corruption which first emerged in October.

  Chehade is accused of attempting to influence the outcome of a long-running dispute over the ownership of the Andahuasi sugar refinery in Lima, as well as trying to persuade former Transport Minister Enrique Cornejo to grant a public contract to a Brazilian construction company.

  Though he refuted the allegations Chehade faced increasing pressure to step aside in recent months. In November President Humala publicly called on Chehade to resign (Peru’s constitution prevents presidents from unilaterally dismissing their vice presidents). This was followed in December by a congressional vote which saw Chehade suspended for 120 days.

  Chehade continues to deny the accusations. In his resignation letter he complained that he was the victim of “an unjust and excessive media and political campaign”. Though he will no longer serve as vice president, he will retain his seat in Congress thanks to a favourable vote by the institution’s permanent council (members voted 13 to 12 against his dismissal).

  This decision was criticised by opposition figures, such as APRA’s Mauricio Mulder, who claimed it was a political maneuver of the ruling Gana Perú party to enable it to retain its deputy.

• 31 NGOs Sign Letter on Minas Conga Protests

  08 December 2011

  Two networks of European NGOs, CIDSE and Plataforma Europa Perú (of which the PSG is a member), today sent an open letter to President Ollanta Humala in response to recent events in the Cajamarca region. The letter expresses concern over the breakdown of talks with locals protesting against the Minas Conga project and over the government's decision to declare a state of emergency in the area. It also requests that the project's Environmental Impact Assessment be re-examined.

  Click here to read the letter [Spanish only]

• 

  PSG News Summary: November 2011

  30 November 2011

  Minas Conga Conflict Tests Humala

  Protests resumed in Cajamarca this month as government-brokered talks between local communities and officials from mining firm Mineria Yanacocha collapsed. Demonstrators object to the firm’s US$ 4.8 billion Minas Conga project as they believe it will threaten local water supplies.
  
  US firm Newmont Mining, which co-owns Yanacocha with Peru’s Buenaventura, has sought to dismiss such fears by highlighting company plans to build new reservoirs. It also claims the copper and gold mine would create 6,000 jobs in the region.
  
  Last month, around 200 locals blocked major transport arteries in Cajamarca as part of the dispute. The blockade was suspended after protestors, the government and Yanacocha officials agreed to three-way talks, but the negotiations broke down shortly after.
  
  Cajamarca’s Regional President Gregorio Santos announced on 3rd November that demonstrations would resume. Disturbances later in the month saw some of the firm’s equipment damaged and a number of businesses and local public services close. Clashes between demonstrators and police have continued. Thirty people were left injured following an incident earlier this week.
  
  In an effort to resolve the conflict Environmental Minister Ricardo Giesecke pledged to review the firm’s controversial environmental impact assessment (approved by the previous administration). Yet this announcement did not placate the local communities. Some of the protestors subsequently added the resignation of Mines and Energy Minister Carlos Herrera Descalzi, also involved in the negotiations, to their list of demands.
  
  Yesterday, Newmont agreed to a temporary cessation of construction work at the site. However, the decision had little effect on demonstrations as locals declared they would not accept anything less than the project’s permanent cancellation.
  
  Minas Conga represents a test-case for President Ollanta Humala, whose electoral campaign focused on the need to balance the interests of local communities with those of investors. The conflict over Minas Conga, the largest investment project in the country, is the first major incident in where these commitments will be tested.
  
  To date, Humala has made relatively little substantive comment on the conflict beyond declaring that Peruvians should be allowed both “water and gold”. As protests continue however, many of the protagonists feel the president will shortly need to decide which of these two will be his priority.

   

  Investigation of Forced Sterilisations Reopened

  Peruvian authorities have resumed investigations into claims that hundreds of thousands of women were forcibly sterilised under the government of imprisoned former president Alberto Fujimori (1990 -2000).

  The decision followed a ruling by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights that forced sterilisations constituted a crime against humanity and thus were not bound by a statute of limitations.

  The sterilisations were carried out under the Fujimori government in the late 1990s as a means of population control. Health clinics were set targets on the number of operations they had to perform. Many victims report they were tricked or forced into signing consent forms.

  As many as 300,000 women were sterilised, with a disproportionate number of victims found among rural, poor and Quechua-speaking populations.

  The reopening of investigations was widely welcomed by victims, human rights and women’s groups in Peru. However, Keiko Fujimori, erstwhile presidential candidate and the former president’s daughter, claimed the decision was merely an attempt to divert attention away from the Chehade corruption scandal (see below).

   

  
  Congress to Debate Chehade Suspension

  Congress will shortly vote on whether second Vice President Omar Chehade should face suspension after allegations emerged of his involvement in corruption.

  Peruvian lawmakers will vote on the recommendations of the Congressional Ethics Committee which concluded its investigation into Chehade’s conduct on 14th November. The committee declared the vice president had “breached his duty to transparency and truthfulness" and recommended that he be suspended, without pay, for 120 days.

  Chehade, whose election pledges included a commitment to tackle graft in the country, has since faced accusations that he attempted to unduly influence the outcome of a long-running dispute over the ownership of the Andahuasi sugar refinery in Lima.

  He is also alleged to have tried to persuade former Transport Minister Enrique Cornejo to grant a public contract to a Brazilian construction company. Chehade continues to deny both allegations, claiming they are the product of a vendetta against him.

  Humala publicly urged Chehade to resign earlier this month, saying his time would be best spent on defending the accusations. The vice president subsequently agreed to temporarily “step-aside”, but declared he would not resign as he claims the allegations are untrue.

  Under Peru’s constitution only Congress, not the president, is permitted to dismiss or sanction vice presidents. A congressional vote on Chehade’s suspension is expected within the next few days.

   

  Mining Protests Hit Andahuaylas

  On 3rd November communities in Andahuaylas and Chincheros in southern Peru began a general strike in protest over legal and illegal mining operations in the region.
  
  The demonstrators - largely local farmers who fear their livelihoods are threatened by mining activity - called for the government to declare the region a ‘mining-free’ zone. This would entail both a clamp down on illegal mining activity in the area and the cancellation of a number of official projects, such as those run by Peruvian firms Ares SAC and Apurimac Ferrum.
  
  Following the unrest, Agriculture Minister Miguel Caillaux, Energy and Mines Minister Carlos Herrera Descalzi and Deputy Environmental Management Minister José de Echave all travelled to the region to try and negotiate a settlement.
  
  However, the ministers and demonstrators eventually proved unable to reach agreement and talks broke down on 10th November. In clashes between locals and police shortly after, up to 80 people were reported injured. Several days later community leaders again agreed to a temporary cessation of protest activity and further talks with the government.
  
  However, there were few signs of an imminent agreement by month end. On 27th November Herrera Descalzi publicly claimed the government did not have the authority to meet many of the protestors’ demands. Local groups such as the Junta de Usuarios del Distrito de Riego responded by warning that protest activity would resume shortly. The same day, José de Echave resigned from his government post, declaring that the government had not developed an “adequate strategy to deal with social conflicts” in the country.

   

  Government Moves against Illegal Miners

  On 5th November 1,500 police and military officials launched a new operation against illegal gold mining activity in the Madre de Dios region of south-eastern Peru.

  During the first few days of the initiative, known as Aurum 1, troops were reported to have destroyed 140 dredges used by miners to separate gold from other riverbed material.

  This is not the first operation against the estimated 40,000 illegal miners active in Madre de Dios. A series of similar initiatives under the administration of Alan García led to violent protests and were ultimately unsuccessful in reducing mining activity in the region.

  The government argues that Aurum 1 is different from previous operations as it will be carried out over a much longer period. Police and military officials will stay in Madre de Dios for six months in an effort to eradicate illegal mining activity.

  They will also attempt to arrest members of criminal networks involved in illicit activities including human trafficking, child prostitution and illegal logging. Officials will be accompanied throughout by state prosecutors tasked with reporting any human rights violations they witness.

  Illegal mining operations have caused significant environmental degradation in Madre de Dios over recent years. Miners frequently place explosive devices along river banks and clear large sections of forest to access alluvial gold deposits. This has led to the destruction of an estimated 37,000 hectares of forest in the region. Pollution of water supplies is also widespread as miners frequently dump mercury used to extract gold from the ore into local river systems.

  The regional government had hoped to persuade miners to voluntarily withdraw from the area. Such efforts enjoyed little success however, principally as illegal mining is a highly lucrative activity.
  
  According to Giesecke, individual gold miners earn around £120 (US$ 190) per day in a country where the monthly minimum wage is around £180 (US$ 280). Consequently, tempting miners into alternative, legal employment has proved very difficult.

• 

  Peru News Summary: October 2011

  31 October 2011

  Vice President Investigated for Corruption

  Earlier this month Attorney General José Peláez initiated an investigation into Vice President Omar Chehade following accusations he had used political influence to benefit a private company.

  The allegations followed an article by IDL Reporteros, a non-profit investigative outfit, and were subsequently confirmed by recently dismissed police Chief Eduardo Arteta Izarnótegui.

  Arteta alleges Chehade sought to influence the outcome of a long-running dispute over the ownership of the Andahuasi sugar refinery in Lima. Though the Wong Group has been majority owner of the plant since 2009, Andahuasi workers, backed by a minority shareholder, have blocked the group from entering its premises.

  The former police commander claims that he, Vice President Chehade, his brother Miguel and other police chiefs all discussed the dispute at an informal meeting in a Lima restaurant. According to Arteta, the vice president excused himself from the table while his brother tried to convince the police chiefs to evict the Andahuasi workers and allow the Wongs to take control.

  Chehade admits he met with the police officials, but emphatically denies that the eviction was ever discussed. He claims that Arteta made the allegations only as a result of his dismissal earlier this month during a purge of ‘corrupt’ police officers. Of note, the two other police officials present at the meeting, General Raúl Salazar and Abel Gamarra Malpartida, both corroborate the vice president’s version of events.

  The above allegations were followed days later by further claims of Chehade’s involvement in influence peddling. TV programme Cuarto Poder reported that Chehade tried to persuade outgoing Transport Minister Enrique Cornejo to grant a large transport contract to Brazilian Firm Andrade Gutiérrez shortly after the elections. As the meeting was brokered by Prime Minister Salomon Lerner Guitis questions were raised over his involvement in any possible wrongdoing.

  In response to the accusations, politicians from opposition Fuerza 2011, Concertación Parlamentaria and Alianza por el Gran Cambio parties have called for Chehade to withdraw from an anti-corruption commission formed last month.

   

  Humala Sacks 30 Police Chiefs

  Thirty senior police officials were forced into retirement by the government in late October as part of efforts to stamp out corruption in the force.

  Two-thirds of Peru’s police commanders were removed, including prominent figures such as counter-narcotics commander General Raúl Becerra.

  In recent opinion polls half of respondents stated the police force was the most corrupt institution in the country. Though some element of restructuring was anticipated, its eventual scale surprised many.

  A number of those dismissed had faced allegations of corruption. However, at least one of the dismissed commanders claimed he had never been linked to any wrongdoing. The Nation Association of Police Commanders denounced the move, suggesting it was both ill-conceived and politically motivated.

  Vice President Omar Chehade dismissed such complaints, declaring no decision had been taken on any officer without first conducting a “rigorous evaluation” of their professional history.

  The dismissals were part of wider efforts to restructure the force, which will see total numbers of police officers drop by nearly 30%.

  A similar shake-up of the diplomatic service was carried out earlier this month, when fifteen ambassadors were removed from their posts following a reduction in the maximum length of service. Those dismissed are now considering appealing to the Constitutional Court.

   

  Plans for Hydroelectric Project Scrapped

  On October 14 the Ministry for Energy and Mining rejected an appeal by Brazilian consortium EGASUR against the cancellation of a hydroelectric power plant in southern Peru.

  The £2.5 bn (US$ 4bn) project, planned for the Inambari river in Puno province, had proved highly controversial as it involved the flooding of approximately 150 square miles of territory. Critics feared this would endanger the Bahuaja Sonene National Park and would lead to the displacement of 60 communities living nearby.

  The ministry eventually cancelled the project as it deemed EGASUR had not presented the findings of its environmental impact assessment in a public forum.

  Olga Cutipa, leader of the local organisation Frente de Defensa de San Gabán, applauded the decision, saying it vindicated community claims that EGASUR had failed to comply with investment legislation.

  The firm is able to appeal the decision, though it is not yet known whether it will chose to do so. EGASUR representatives have so far declined to comment on the project’s cancellation.

   

  Renewed Conflict Over Yanacocha Gold Mine

  On October 14 around 200 demonstrators from Cajamarca’s Encañada district blocked transport arteries during protests against mining firm Yanacocha. During the blockade, demonstrators were reported to have set fire to several pieces of the firm’s equipment, including a bulldozer and dump trucks.

  According to Encañada Mayor Jorge Vásquez the protests relate to a planned expansion of the gold mine, the largest of its kind in Latin America, which would increase strain on nearby water resources.

  Though the firm has pledged to create two reservoirs to replace water which would be diverted by the project, locals fear this recycled water would be contaminated. Vásquez reports that such pollution could endanger the livelihoods of many in the area who depend on agriculture and animal husbandry to survive.

  As protests began, Yanacocha officials sought to dismiss the unrest as an attempt to pressure the firm into signing an agreement to provide over £50m (US$ 70m) of investment for the community. As such, the company, co-owned by American firm Newmont and Peru’s Buenaventura, declared they would not negotiate while the blockade was in place.

  Three days later, and following intervention by the central government, protestors agreed to suspend the blockade and participate in three-way talks with the firm and state officials. Vásquez warned however, that demonstrations would resume if no agreement was reached.

  The Yanacocha protests are only the latest example of the ongoing problem of social conflict in Peru. According to a September report from the Office of the Human Rights Ombudsman there are currently 215 active social conflicts in the country; approximately the same number as when Humala assumed office in July.

   

  Women’s Minister Survives Calls for Resignation

  Efforts by opposition parties to force the resignation of Women’s Minister Aida García Naranjo were effectively defeated on October 13.

  A motion to censure the minister, proposed by conservative alliances Alianza por el Futuro and Concertación Parlamentaria, was defeated by 54 to 28, with 14 abstentions. Had it been successful it would have obliged García Naranjo to step down from her government post.

  Opposition politicians argued that the minister should be dismissed following the deaths of three children - and the hospitalisations of 89 more – after eating contaminated food in Cajamarca late last month.

  The food had been provided as part of the government’s National Food Assistance Programme (known by its Spanish language acronym PRONAA) and was later found to contain traces of pesticide.

  According to García Naranjo it was not the PRONAA supplies, but rather the containers used locally during preparation, which were contaminated. The government subsequently announced an overhaul of the programme with greater emphasis placed on training local staff and teachers how to prepare food safely.

  In late October the government confirmed management of the PRONAA programme would gradually be transferred to the Ministry of Development and Social Inclusion under Carolina Trivelli. The newly created ministry will be Humala’s flagship department for social policy.

• 

  100 Days of Humala: Policies and Perspectives

  10 October 2011

  Date: Saturday 29th October
  Time: 10:30am - 5pm
  Venue: CAFOD Offices, Romero House, 55 Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7JB

  The first few months of the new administration have seen President Ollanta Humala retain largely orthodox economic policies, while implementing a series of bold new social policies. Thus far, the reform programme appears to have won support among provincial communities without significantly provoking the ire of the country’s more affluent coastal groups.

  But for how long will this situation continue? Will efforts to increase foreign investment lead to elevated conflict, as in recent years, or will the new government prove more able to reconcile the interests of investors with those of local communities? How will the Humala administration set about meeting the various other social and economic challenges the country faces? And how might its foreign and environmental policies differ from those of previous governments?

  Discussing the above at this year' annual conference will be:

  
  GUSTAVO GORRITI, renowned investigative journalist and head of IDL Reporteros.*

  LORD AVEBURY, PSG president and long-standing human rights advocate.

  ROSEMARY THORP CBE, former chair of Oxfam GB and emeritus fellow of St Antony’s College, Oxford.

  JOHN CRABTREE, research associate at Oxford University’s Latin America Centre.

  JESSICA BUDDS, lecturer in environment and development at Reading University.

  DIEGO MOYA-OCAMPOS, Peru analyst for IHS Global Insight.

  NATALIA SOBREVILLA, head of Hispanic studies at University of Kent.

  JAMES COPESTAKE, professor of international development at University of Bath.

  
  Entrance (includes lunch): £6 for members/concessions, £10 for non-members

  Entrance fees may be paid on the door. Non-members can offset their entrance fee against PSG membership (standing order only).

  To register please e-mail info@perusupportgroup.org.uk or call 0207 263 1016

  *Due to visa complications Gustavo will participate via a video-conference.

   

  Click here to view the conference programme 

• 

  P/T Research Intern Vacancy

  28 September 2011

  The Peru Support Group is currently seeking a part-time intern to assist with a variety of research projects in our office in Finsbury Park. The intern will make a real contribution to our organisation and gain valuable experience of working in the third sector.
  
  The role will likely involve:
  
  • Researching and writing articles for our website on issues including human rights, economic development and social conflict.
  • Preparatory research for an upcoming publication on the impact of informal gold mining in the country.
  • Writing content for an education pack, targeted at university students, on a high-profile torture case.
  • Monitoring local media sources and drafting monthly news summaries.
  • Other research and administrative tasks as required.
  
  The successful candidate will be educated to at least degree level, have a working knowledge of Spanish and excellent research skills. A demonstrable interest in our campaign areas and / or Latin America is also a prerequisite for this role.
  
  The intern must be able to work, either remotely or from our London office, at least one day per week for a minimum three-month period. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer a salary for this role, but lunch and travel expenses within central London will be reimbursed.
  
  To apply, please send an unedited writing sample (maximum 3,000 words) and CV to info@perusupportgroup.org.uk before 5:30pm on Friday 14th October.

• 'New Directions in Peruvian Politics' with Javier Diez Canseco

  19 September 2011

  Date: 14th October 2011

  Time: 14:00 - 16:00

  Venue: Senate House, Room 102, London, WC1E 7HU

  The recent electoral victory of Ollanta Humala's Gana Perú party appears to have signalled a shift in Peru's political direction. Whereas the outgoing administration's support base was largely found amongst the more affluent in the country's capital, Gana Perú gained most of its votes from disaffected groups in the poorer Andean and Amazonian regions.

  Since assuming office in July the new government has implemented a series of reforms, including a windfall tax on mining firms and legislation on consultation with indigenous groups, designed to improve the standing of the country's poorest.

  The Peru Support Group is proud to announce that JAVIER DIEZ CANSECO, a Gana Perú congressman and long-standing human rights advocate, will be coming to the UK in October to give a talk on the above policy initiatives. During the discussion, kindly hosted by the Institute for the Study of the Americas, Javier will highlight key areas for reform over the next five years and provide an insight into political dynamics within the Humala administration.

  About the speaker:

  JAVIER DIEZ CANSECO is a Peruvian politician, political analyst, human rights advocate and anti corruption activist. He has been elected to Congress on seven occasions, once serving as the institution's vice-president.

  Affected by polio when he was a child, he has extensive experience of working with organisations promoting rights and opportunities for people with disabilities. He was responsible for designing legislation on disability and was chairman of Congress’ Special Studies Commission on Disabilities between 2002 and 2006.

  In 2006 he stood as candidate for the presidency with Peru's Socialist Party. He is currently a Congressman for the ruling Gana Perú party.

   

  To register for this event please either contact us at info@perusupportgroup.org.uk or 0207 263 1016. Alternatively, you can register by marking yourself as 'attending' on the Facebook event page.

• European NGOs Congratulate Government on Prior Consultation Law

  09 September 2011

  The Peru Europe Platform, a network of approximately 15 European NGOs that work in Peru, yesterday sent an open letter to Congress and the Humala administration congratulating them on passing the Prior Consultation Law. The letter highlights the importance of this step, which enshrines in law the rights of Peru’s traditionally marginalised indigenous communities. It also urges Congress and the government to ensure the full and rapid implementation of the legislation.

  Click here to read the letter [Spanish Only]

• Peru News Summary: August 2011

  Peru News 068. 31 August 2011

  Congress approves consultation law

  On 23 August Congress unanimously approved a Prior Consultation Law (Ley de Consulta Previa), making it compulsory for the state to consult with indigenous groups on developmental and administrative decisions which affect them.

  According to the new law, consultation processes will be mandatory for new hydrocarbon or mineral extraction projects as well as for infrastructure projects, such as dam construction. Consultation with indigenous groups will also be required before Congress can approve laws which could affect their rights.

  The legislation brings Peru a step closer to complying with its obligations to respect indigenous rights as established by International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 169. Though Peru ratified the convention in 1993, successive governments have proved reluctant to implement the necessary legislation to ensure the country was compliant.

  A congressional attempt to introduce a consultation law last year, for example, was blocked by then president Alan García (2006-2011), who claimed it would allow indigenous communities to obstruct projects which he deemed to be in the national interest.

  President Ollanta Humala by contrast, has declared his support for the law, which he is expected to formally approve in early September. Various politicians, civil society groups and NGOs have also backed the legislation, which they hope will help reduce levels of social conflict in the country.

  Acting Human Rights Ombudsman, Eduardo Vega, described the move as a “huge step towards the recognition of the rights of indigenous peoples” in Peru. AIDESEP - which represents Amazonian indigenous groups - also welcomed the new legislation, though warned of possible challenges during its implementation.

   

  Congress backs new cabinet and mining windfall tax

  On 25 August Congress passed a vote of confidence in the new cabinet headed by Prime Minister Salomon Lerner Ghitis, following a speech outlining key reforms for the period 2011-2016.

  During Lerner’s first ministerial address to the new Congress he outlined government plans for reducing poverty and social exclusion, improving governance, reforming justice and health institutions, and implementing more progressive tax and welfare systems.

  Much of the increased social spending will be financed by a windfall tax on profits earned by mining firms operating in Peru. According to Lerner, the tax will bring the government approximately £675m (US$ 1.1bn) per annum over the next five years, though the size of any given firm’s burden will vary according to their operating profit margins.

  The announcement followed two months of extensive consultation with extractive firms to determine an appropriate level of taxation which would not damage their international competitiveness nor deter investment. A number of industry executives have since expressed satisfaction with the final rate, deeming it far more reasonable than they had initially expected. Even companies which benefit from Fujimori-era stability agreements, protecting them from tax increases for approximately 15 years, have agreed to pay the tax on a voluntary basis.

  Further to the above initiative, Lerner announced various other specific measures including: the creation of a Ministry for Development and Social Inclusion, a nationwide plan to provide universal education, reforms to agricultural irrigation projects and the creation of a Peruvian national airline. The prime minister also highlighted the government’s commitment to the eradication of child poverty and to ensuring that the rights of all Peruvian citizens are respected. Unlike his predecessors, he did not request executive legislation powers, expressing instead a desire to work together with Congress to implement reforms.

  In accordance with constitutional requirements, Lerner’s speech was followed by a vote of confidence in the new cabinet. Of the 123 lawmakers present, 90 voted in favour of the motion, zero voted against and 33 abstained. All 33 abstaining congressmen and women were members of the Fuerza 2011 party, led by defeated presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori.

   

  Government suspends coca eradication

  In mid-August Interior Minister Óscar Valdés announced a temporary suspension of US-funded coca eradication operations in Peru while the new government formulates its counternarcotics strategy.

  A number of opposition politicians, including former Interior Minister Fernando Rospigliosi, criticised the move, arguing it essentially gave carte blanche to drug-traffickers and illegal coca growers.

  However, Rospigilosi’s sentiments were not echoed by the US or by Peru’s other notable foreign partners. William Ostick, spokesman for the US embassy in Lima, declared the suspension was not of serious concern as it did not represent a permanent shift in Peruvian counternarcotics strategy.

  Ricardo Soberón, head of the National Commission for the Development of Life without Drugs (DEVIDA), further highlighted the positive outcomes of similar operational suspensions in Colombia and the US in recent years.

  Peru is the second largest coca producer in the world, according to the latest report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, with total production approximately only one percent behind Colombia’s. The same agency reports the country’s cocaine production has also increased consistently since 2005.

   

  Massacre victims' remains found

  Four graves containing nine sets of human remains were discovered by an archaeological team in northern Peru earlier this month. All nine skulls contained bullet holes; rope and spent casings were also found near the grave site in the Viru Valley.

  Investigators believed the remains to be those of nine villagers ‘disappeared’ in May 1992 by paramilitary forces linked to senior officials within the government of former president Alberto Fujimori (1990-2000). According to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission members of the Colina Group, the paramilitaries responsible for the killings, later attempted to disguise the massacre as the work of insurgent forces.

  Forensic teams have now confirmed four of the bodies to be those of Jesús Noriega Ríos, Federico Coquis Vásquez, Carlos Barrientos Velásquez and Gilmar León Velásquez who all disappeared during the Colina Group raid.

  The remaining five victims are believed to be Roberto Barrientos Velásquez, Denis Atilio Castillo Chávez, Pedro Pablo López Gonzáles, Carlos Martín Tarazona More and Jorge Luis Tarazona More.

  Authorities have pledged to return the victims’ remains to their families for private burial as soon as forensic teams have confirmed their identities.

  In October 2010 members of the Colina Group received prison sentences of between 15 and 25 years for their role in a number of massacres, including that at El Santa.

   

  Constitutional court rejects Fujimori mistrial plea

  In April 2009 former president Alberto Fujimori was sentenced to 25-years imprisonment for ordering security forces to kill civilians and kidnap prominent journalists Gustavo Gorriti and Samuel Dyer during his time in office.

  Fujimori had sought to challenge the verdict by arguing that members of the tribunal which convicted him were biased against him, making their ruling invalid.

  On 11 August however, the Constitutional Court, the highest in Peru, rejected the plea and declared the tribunal had complied with constitutional regulations at all times.

  Kenyi Fujimori, son of the imprisoned president and a Peruvian congressman, announced his father would likely mount several more legal challenges to the verdict in the Constitutional Court.

  Fujimori is also reported to be considering filing an appeal before the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. Commentators note the irony of such a move given that while in office Fujimori sought to withdraw Peru from the court’s jurisdiction.

  Last month the Supreme Court rejected Fujimori’s appeal against a 2007 fraud conviction, for which he was sentenced to seven and a half year’s imprisonment. Under Peruvian law all sentences are served concurrently.

   

  Corruption scandal at state housing agency

  Allegations of endemic corruption were levelled against Peru’s Banco de Materiales (BANMAT) this month after press investigations revealed thousands of key financial files had disappeared.

  The details of more than 5,000 payments made by BANMAT, the state institution in charge of granting housing credits to impoverished Peruvians, are believed to have disappeared in recent years. The revelations aroused serious suspicion that officials at the institution had collaborated to misappropriate state funds.

  This is not the first time that scandal has rocked BANMAT. In 2008 a press investigation revealed that 50 BANMAT officials had granted themselves favourable mortgage terms as part of the state-run Los Alamos housing project.

  In response to this month’s allegations the new government dismissed the entire board of directors, all of whom were appointed by former president García. They also launched an official enquiry into the corruption allegations.

  Housing Minister René Cornejo subsequently warned that his ministry would also be evaluating whether to dissolve the institution completely. A final decision is expected by late September.

• Extraordinary General Meeting and Social

  17 August 2011

  On Tuesday 6th September 2011 the Peru Support Group (PSG) will be holding an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) to vote on constitutional changes which would facilitate our registration as a charitable association. The meeting will be held from 6pm in Jack’s Lounge and Kitchen, near Waterloo and Southwark tube stations, and will be followed by a social event in the same venue.
  
  The PSG is seeking to register as a charity as a means of ensuring our survival over the long-term. Charitable status would enable us to forge closer relationships with partner organisations, provide external recognition that the organisation is competently run, and confer modest financial benefits through schemes such as Gift Aid. The move to apply for charitable status was approved in principle by our members at two previous AGMs.
  
  For the votes on the three proposals detailed below to be valid at least 10% of our members must attend the EGM. Given the importance of this step for the future of our organisation we would like to strongly encourage as many members as possible to attend. If you think you will be able to do so please let us know.
  
  Meeting Proposal

  The PSG management committee has three linked proposals:

  • the PSG transforms itself into a charity;
  • subject to such minor modifications as may be required by the Charity Commission, the new constitution shall be that below (which is based on a template provided by the Charity Commission highlighted to show variations from the template);
  • the initial trustees of the charity shall be Eric Reginald Lubbock (4th Baron Avebury), Francis McDonagh, Andrea Maria Steel, and Timothy Lee Thorp.

  Explanatory Note
  The constitution below is based on this template provided by the Charity Commission.

  An earlier version of the constitution was sent out to all members for comment. In the intervening period, the Charity Commission slightly modified the template and these modifications have been incorporated into the attached. The comments from members were also considered and consequent modifications were made to the constitution.

  Note on Proposed Trustees
  Eric Reginald Lubbock (4th Baron Avebury): a long standing advocate for human rights, founder of the Parliamentary Human Rights Group and member of the Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs team. He currently serves as Honorary President of the PSG.

  Francis McDonagh: manager of the Andes team at CAFOD until his retirement earlier this month.

  Andrea Maria Steel: lecturer in Latin America politics at Kingston University who also works at Amnesty’s International Secretariat in London. She currently serves on the PSG’s management committee.

  Timothy Lee Thorp: treasurer of the PSG for over ten years. His professional background before retirement was as a scientist at the Ministry of Defence.

  Click here to view the proposed constitution 

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