Human rights defender's story: Ana María Vidal Carrasco from Peru

Ana María Vidal Carrasco serves as the Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Coordinator for Human Rights, a collective of 82 civil society organisations in Peru dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights. During her visit to Geneva for Peru’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR), she highlighted the critical challenges faced by human rights defenders in Peru, particularly the lack of governmental recognition and protection. Ana María pointed out that defenders, especially those in rural areas advocating for land and Indigenous rights, are often subjected to criminalisation and threats to their safety.

She emphasised the urgent need for Peru to establish laws that recognise the vital role of human rights defenders and to implement public policies that provide them with adequate protection. Additionally, she addressed the problematic practice of privatising security forces and the necessity to prohibit the rental of police services to extractive industries during social conflicts. Another significant concern she raised was the use of lethal weapons by police in these conflicts and the importance of ensuring that impunity in the context of historical armed conflicts remains non-negotiable.

With the support of ISHR, Ana María engaged in crucial meetings in Geneva with various Special Rapporteurs and key State mission members to advocate for these changes. Her efforts aim to secure stronger UPR recommendations that prioritise human rights over economic policies, reinforcing the state’s duty to protect and promote these fundamental rights.

Ana María’s message to the international community underscores her commitment to placing human rights at the forefront of all governmental duties, advocating for systemic changes that ensure the safety and dignity of all individuals, particularly those who defend these rights.