On 5 April, constitutional order was subverted in Peru. President Alberto Fujimori assumed all power, dissolved the National Congress and suspended the constitution, thus undermining the independence of the judiciary.
As Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, he has put political opponents under house arrest and put news organizations under military guard.
An International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) delegation was participating in a workshop in Lima on the international protection of human rights, organized by the Andean Commission of Jurists with the support of the UN Centre for Human Rights.
ICJ Secretary-General Adama Dieng, contacted immediately by his Latin America Legal Officer, expressed deep concern about the measures taken by the President of Peru.
“This veritable coup d’état represents a serious drawback for Peru and an affront to democracy on the entire continent,” Mr. Dieng said. “At a time when Latin America is just realizing a favourable evolution towards democracy and respect for the rule of law, Peru has in fact regressed.”
The ICJ condemns this de facto coup d’état against the constitution and strongly appeals to President Fujimori to lead his country back to democracy and the rule of law. The ICJ also requests that President Fujimori restore freedom to his political opponents, reinstate the legislature and guarantee respect for human rights in accordance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), headquartered in Geneva, is a non-governmental organization in consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, UNESCO, the Council of Europe and the OAU. Founded 40 years ago, its task is to defend the Rule of Law throughout the world and to work towards the full observance of the provisions in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The ICJ has been a driving force behind the adoption of numerous international declarations and standards including the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, the UN Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary, the European Convention Against Torture and the African Charter of Human and Peoples’ Rights. It is composed of 31 distinguished jurists from around the globe and has 75 national sections and affiliated organizations.