Hello, dear colleagues!
This article is primarily written for law firms representing asylum applicants from
Peru and other countries in
Latin America & the Caribbean, although it may also be useful for applicants themselves.
My name is Maxim Kharitonov, and I am the founder of
The Human Rights, an international agency of expert witnesses specializing in expert reports for asylum seekers worldwide (website: thehuman-rights.com).
We provide expert witness reports on human rights violations, political persecution, and asylum-related risks across key regions, including:
- Post-Soviet Region (CIS): Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Georgia.
- East Africa: Eritrea, Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, Uganda.
- South & Central Asia: Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan.
- Middle East: Syria, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, Saudi Arabia.
- Western Balkans: Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Latin America & the Caribbean: Venezuela, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Cuba, Haiti, Colombia, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil.
- East Asia: China, North Korea, Mongolia, Vietnam, Myanmar.
In this article, I will explain how our team approaches the analysis of the situation in
Peru and other
Latin America & Caribbean countries, highlight key issues related to human rights violations, and discuss why an expert witness report plays a crucial role in asylum cases.
What is an Expert Witness Report?
As you may know, an
expert witness report is an independent analytical document used to substantiate facts, justify risks, and assess the situation in the applicant’s country of origin.
Its purpose is to demonstrate that the applicant faces a real threat of persecution and cannot return to
Peru or another
Latin America & Caribbean country due to the risks involved. The report serves as witness testimony in the asylum case, providing expert insight into the situation in the applicant’s country of origin.
Why is an Expert Witness Report Essential?
An expert witness report is crucial at every stage of the asylum process:
- At the application stage: It helps establish the applicant's personal risks and their connection to the general situation in Peru or another Latin America & Caribbean country.
- At the appeal stage: If the application has been denied, the report can be used for a detailed analysis of the immigration authority’s decision, identifying errors, and providing additional evidence.
Key Functions of an Expert Witness Report
1.
Contextual AnalysisAn expert witness report confirms the broader situation in
Peru and other
Latin America & Caribbean countries, including political instability, repression, and conflict, citing both international and local sources.
2.
Personal Risk AssessmentThe report demonstrates the connection between the applicant’s individual threats and the conditions in their country. Whether it’s due to their political views, ethnicity, religion, or gender, the report will explain why they are personally at risk in
Peru or another
Latin America & Caribbean country.
3.
Strengthening the Evidence BaseAn expert witness report verifies that the applicant belongs to a vulnerable group facing persecution. Vulnerable groups can include ethnic or religious minorities, journalists, political activists, and women, particularly in countries like
Peru, where these groups may face targeted violence.
4.
Support with Credible SourcesThe report references authoritative organizations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the United Nations, and others. All sources are formatted according to the
OSCOLA citation standard.
Country Expert Witness on
Peru and
Latin America & Caribbean Countries
At
The Human Rights, we specialize in preparing expert witness reports for asylum applicants from
Peru and other countries in the
Latin America & Caribbean region. Our reports are tailored to asylum cases in the
UK,
USA,
Canada, and the
EU, ensuring compliance with immigration law standards and expert witness requirements.
We provide in-depth analysis on the human rights situation in
Peru and other
Latin America & Caribbean countries, addressing issues such as:
- Political Persecution: Although Peru has a democratic government, political persecution can still occur, especially towards indigenous leaders, political activists, and journalists critical of the government. Asylum seekers from Peru may face risks for their political views or activism.
- Freedom of Expression and Press: Journalists in Peru, particularly those investigating corruption, drug trafficking, or government practices, are often subjected to harassment, threats, or even violence. The government’s limited capacity to protect journalists further exacerbates the risks for those working in independent media. Asylum applicants from Peru may cite fears of retaliation for their journalistic work or exposure of corruption.
- Violence from Criminal Organizations: Peru faces issues related to organized crime, including drug trafficking and violence associated with drug cartels. Some regions of Peru are particularly affected by these criminal activities, and individuals living in these areas may face threats from criminal organizations. Those who oppose criminal groups or are caught in the crossfire may seek asylum due to the dangers of returning.
- Indigenous Rights and Land Conflicts: Indigenous communities in Peru often face displacement from their land due to mining, oil exploration, and other commercial activities. They are also at risk of violence, intimidation, and even murder by both state actors and private companies. Asylum applicants who belong to indigenous groups or who are activists fighting for indigenous rights are particularly vulnerable to persecution.
- Gender-Based Violence: Women in Peru face high levels of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and femicide. Despite efforts to combat gender-based violence, many victims do not have access to proper legal protection or support. Asylum seekers fleeing gender-based violence may cite the failure of the legal system to protect them as one of their reasons for seeking refuge abroad.
- LGBTQ+ Rights and Discrimination: LGBTQ+ individuals in Peru face discrimination, social exclusion, and violence. While same-sex relationships are legal, the social environment can be hostile towards LGBTQ+ people, especially in rural or conservative areas. Asylum seekers who identify as LGBTQ+ may fear violence or persecution due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Corruption and Impunity: Corruption is a longstanding issue in Peru, affecting all levels of government and law enforcement. Those who attempt to expose corruption or seek justice for crimes may face retaliation. Asylum seekers may be at risk due to their attempts to challenge corrupt practices or their involvement in anti-corruption efforts.
Why Choose Our Expert Witness Reports?
Collective Expertise & VerificationOur reports are prepared by regional country experts, researchers, and legal analysts, ensuring accuracy and depth. Every report undergoes fact-checking and validation by our senior experts before submission.
Court-Tested Reports & Expert TestimonyOur experts are available to testify in court, reinforcing the credibility of the asylum applicant’s case. We follow the highest standards of expert witness reporting, including OSCOLA citation formatting and references to leading human rights organizations (Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, UNHCR, etc.).
Customized Reports for Each CaseWe tailor each report to the specific applicant’s circumstances, linking their personal risks to the broader situation in their country of origin.
Strong Track Record of SuccessOur reports have played a key role in successful asylum applications and appeals, helping individuals prove their risk of persecution.