Peru's Ombudsman Urges Stronger Policies Against Racial Discrimination on Afro-Peruvian Culture Day

On Afro-Peruvian Culture Day, Peru's Defensoria del Pueblo (Ombudsman's Office) reiterated its commitment to combating racism and discrimination. The institution emphasized the need to bolster public policies aimed at ensuring equal opportunities for the Afro-Peruvian population.

Despite the significant historical, cultural, social, and economic contributions of Afro-Peruvians, the Defensoria noted that structural barriers continue to hinder the full exercise of their rights and perpetuate inequality. The office is actively monitoring state policies designed to promote equality and prevent discrimination.

A primary challenge identified is the strengthening of legal measures to prevent, eradicate, and punish ethnic-racial discrimination. A proposed bill, "Law for the promotion of cultural diversity to prevent, eradicate and sanction ethnic-racial discrimination" (Bill 6311/2023-PE), awaits debate and a vote in Congress. This legislation aims to establish mechanisms for prevention, victim support, and inter-institutional coordination to combat racism.

The Defensoria is also overseeing the 2025 National Census, ensuring the accurate inclusion of ethnic data and respect for self-identification among Afro-Peruvians. Reliable statistics are crucial for designing evidence-based policies to address historical inequalities. In education, the office monitors the "Afro-Peruvian People" modality of Beca 18, a scholarship program expanding higher education access for Afro-Peruvian youth. While 1,429 applied for the 2026 call, the Defensoria warned of challenges regarding budget sustainability and consistent selection processes, which are vital for achieving the goals of the National Policy for the Afro-Peruvian People by 2030.