Our Ambassador to Peru discussed this with the Peruvian Environment Minister on 15 August and the Energy Minister on 2 September. The Peruvian Ministry of Environment believe affected areas will take a year to recover, whereas independent scientists are of the opinion that this will take much longer and damage may be irreversible, with a direct impact on livelihoods and local economies.

The Ambassador last met indigenous communities during an official visit to Iquitos in late 2015.

​This law was a notable step forward in protecting the rights of indigenous peoples in Peru.

Our Ambassador to Peru discussed the issue with the Peruvian Minister for Culture on 11 August. The Minister confirmed his intention to strengthen the Indigenous People's Department in his ministry to facilitate implementation of the law. We will continue to work with the Peruvian Government on this important area of activity.

The British Embassy in Lima works closely with the European Union Delegation and the Embassies of other EU countries to support the implementation of the EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders. This includes regular dialogue with human rights defenders on issues of concern, engagement with them on visits outside the capital, and participation in the EU's annual human rights defenders event.

Former President Alberto Fujimori’s National Family Planning Programme (Programma Nacional de Planificación Familiar) was carried out in Peru from 1996 to 1998. More than 2,000 complaints were brought against the government alleging individuals had been unaware of the permanent nature of these operations or had been financially compensated for being sterilised.

An independent Congressional Committee set up to investigate the programme in 2002 established that 346,219 women and 24,535 men had been sterilised from 1993 to 2000. The committee recommended that victims of forced sterilisations be compensated and the responsible parties subject to legal proceedings.

In January 2014, after nearly 10 years of investigations, the Peruvian Public Prosecutor’s Office brought charges against some health professionals involved in the programme; no charges were brought against the government.

On 6 November 2015, a Supreme Decree was published which mandated the creation of a central register of “victims”. This aims to provide free legal advice, psychological support and medical attention to those affected. The Ombudsman will represent individuals in courts and seek reparations for those individuals found to be victims of irregularities in the implementation of this programme.

This Government is working towards eliminating all forms of violence against women. This is part of our work to promote the golden thread of democracy, rule of law, free media and open, accountable institutions. Our Embassy in Lima continues to monitor developments on this issue.