In 2015, Peru introduced a new registration renewal process for organizations that received international funding. The process was burdensome and unclear, resulting in delays that blocked civil society organizations from delivering critical services to people in need.
In 2017, the Peruvian umbrella organization, Asociacion Nacional de Centros (ANC), reached out to ICNL to help address this restrictive rule. We worked with ANC and their network of more than 80 civil society organizations. ICNL provided training on international standards on freedom of association; provided research to show how the rule harmed vulnerable populations; and gathered data demonstrating how the rule went against Peru’s international obligations. We also worked with our partners to build a more collaborative relationship with the government by supporting effective, data-lead dialogue.
As a result of civil society’s efforts, in December 2018, the government withdrew the rule and introduced a new registration process. They not only eliminated the burdensome requirements but also established simplified measures for oversight and registration. The new measures were a result of a months-long collaboration between civil society and the government.
Throughout this process, local civil society demonstrated they could be an effective partner, working with the government to address shared challenges and improve people’s lives.
The government’s regulatory entity is now more willing to collaborate with the sector. ANC and its network are currently planning to convene government agencies to address other challenging regulations that impact the legal enabling environment for civil society.
Published: December 2019