I. Introduction: Shrinking Civic Space
In Peru, the erosion of civil liberties has become a defining feature of the nation’s democratic backsliding. From violent crackdowns on protests to the harassment of journalists and activists, civic space is narrowing at an alarming rate. This deterioration undermines fundamental freedoms of expression, assembly, and participation, pushing many Peruvians to seek safety and freedom abroad. The exodus reflects both a survival strategy and a rejection of a state that fails to protect its citizens’ rights.

II. Repression of Protest Movements
Mass protests against corruption, inequality, and extractive projects are frequently met with violent repression. Security forces deploy tear gas, rubber bullets, and sometimes live ammunition against demonstrators. Scores of civilians have been injured or killed, creating an atmosphere of fear that deters public mobilisation and democratic engagement.

III. Criminalisation of Dissent
Activists and opposition leaders often face criminal charges designed to silence them. Accusations of terrorism or sedition are used as tools of repression, delegitimising social movements and discrediting dissenting voices. This criminalisation discourages political plurality and narrows democratic space.

IV. Attacks on Journalists and Media Freedom
Journalists investigating corruption, human rights abuses, or environmental exploitation face threats, harassment, and censorship. Independent media outlets are pressured financially or legally, limiting their ability to operate freely. This assault on press freedom deprives citizens of reliable information and silences critical voices.

V. Harassment of Human Rights Defenders
Human rights defenders are subjected to intimidation, surveillance, and violence for challenging abuses. Their advocacy for vulnerable communities—indigenous groups, women, and workers—places them in direct conflict with state authorities and powerful elites. Many defenders are forced into exile, continuing their work from abroad.

VI. Militarisation of Politics
The increasing deployment of military forces in civilian contexts undermines democratic governance. Military units are used to police protests and enforce government authority, often escalating violence. This militarisation blurs the line between civilian rule and authoritarian control, eroding fundamental freedoms.

VII. Restrictions on Indigenous and Rural Communities
Indigenous and rural communities protesting against extractive projects face particularly harsh repression. Their demonstrations are frequently labelled as threats to national security, justifying excessive force. These restrictions not only silence communities but also expose them to displacement and poverty.

VIII. Weak Judicial Protections
Judicial institutions, compromised by corruption and political interference, fail to protect civil liberties. Cases of abuse against protesters or journalists are rarely investigated, reinforcing impunity. This lack of accountability deepens citizens’ sense of vulnerability and exclusion.

IX. Gendered Dimensions of Repression
Women participating in protests or activism face gender-specific violence, including sexual harassment and assault by security forces. This gendered repression discourages women’s political participation and silences their voices within civic spaces.

X. Migration as a Response to Oppression
Faced with shrinking freedoms and increasing persecution, many Peruvians migrate in search of safety and liberty. Asylum claims abroad frequently cite repression, surveillance, and violent crackdowns as reasons for fleeing. Migration thus becomes both an escape from immediate danger and a pursuit of basic civil rights.

XI. Diaspora Advocacy
Peruvian diaspora communities play a crucial role in advocating for civil liberties back home. Through international campaigns, solidarity networks, and lobbying, they keep global attention on Peru’s democratic crisis. Their activism ensures that the voices of those silenced at home are amplified abroad.

XII. Conclusion: Freedom in Retreat
The restriction of civil liberties in Peru reflects a broader retreat from democracy. By repressing protests, criminalising dissent, and silencing media, the state erodes the foundations of civic life. Until Peru restores protections for basic freedoms, citizens will continue to flee, seeking societies where liberty and justice are safeguarded.