UN human rights chief Volker Türk urged the government of Peru on June 18 to refrain from adopting a draft law that grants military jurisdictions the authority to investigate and prosecute possible human rights violations, calling on authorities to comply with international human rights standards.

Peru's Congress on June 13 approved the controversial bill, which stipulates that crimes committed by police officers or military personnel while exercising their duties shall be exclusively handled by military or police jurisdictions rather than ordinary courts. Türk stressed that human rights violations should be handled by independent and impartial courts, as required by international law and UN standards. The question of using military jurisdiction to try members of the armed forces for human rights violations has raised significant concern and criticism, with experts citing fears of impunity and violations of internationally protected rights, such as the right to an effective remedy and the right to a fair trial.

However, Peruvian lawmakers defending the bill argued that its implementation will allow the trial of security forces personnel by an objective and specialized justice that understands the work of security members. Conversely, opponents in the Congress denounced the bill, stating that it violates the principle of equality of citizens before the law.

If it comes into force, the bill would bar members of the armed forces or police from being tried in a civil court for the same facts if proceedings have already been opened before a military or police court. The draft law still requires a second vote in a plenary session before its promulgation by the Executive.

Peru has previously faced criticism for its handling of justice and the prosecution of human rights violations. In August 2025, UN human rights experts criticized a national law that granted amnesty to security forces accused of committing serious violations of international law during the internal armed conflict between 1980 and 2000, describing it as a violation of international law. The UN also expressed concern about the erosion of rule of law in the country following the dismissal of a Peruvian judge from his post for comments he made regarding alleged interference in the judiciary. Additionally, the UN raised concerns about the release of a former military officer who was convicted of the murder of journalist Hugo Bustíos in 1988.

From JURIST, Jun 19. Used with permission. Internal links added.