OAS Experts to Visit Peruvian Amazon Region Amid Numerous Child Sexual Violence Cases

A delegation from the Organization of American States (OAS) is set to visit Condorcanqui province in Peru's Amazon region from September 4 to 11. The visit aims to address the alarming number of reported sexual violence cases against indigenous girls in the area, which have been ongoing for over a decade. The delegation is part of the Committee of Experts of the Follow-up Mechanism to the Belém do Pará Convention (Mesecvi).

Available information indicates that cases of sexual violence in Condorcanqui frequently name teachers, family members, and other individuals present in the territory as alleged perpetrators. The high incidence of such violence against minors from the Awajún and Wampis indigenous communities gained national attention earlier this year when a former Minister of Education, Morgan Quero, controversially suggested that some instances were related to "cultural practices."

In March, the Committee of Experts had already issued a statement expressing deep concern about the persistence of these violent acts and the significant barriers victims encounter when trying to access adequate protection, care services, and effective justice mechanisms. The Committee emphasized the critical need to strengthen prevention measures and ensure a comprehensive, coordinated, and culturally appropriate response.

The invitation for this technical assistance visit was extended by Peru's Judiciary, led by Janet Tello. The mission is being facilitated with support from the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the organization International Justice Mission (IJM). During their visit, the OAS experts will examine the efforts made by Peruvian authorities to improve access to justice for child victims of sexual violence and identify gaps and opportunities for enhancement in the institutional response. The delegation will also meet with government officials in Lima and with leaders of indigenous women's organizations and civil society.