Environmental rights face challenges in Peru and Mexico

In Peru, the Executive Branch has requested legislative powers from Congress for a 120-day period. The Sociedad Peruana de Derecho Ambiental (SPDA) has warned that this request poses risks to environmental protections and vulnerable populations. Specific concerns include potential threats to indigenous peoples in isolation and initial contact (PIACI), protected natural areas, and the integrity of environmental impact studies. While the Commission on Environment and Sustainability supported the request, six other commissions have issued unfavorable opinions.

In Mexico, a judge has imposed precautionary measures on environmental defender Sergio Oceransky, director of Fundación Yansa. While rejecting requests for preventive detention and a large bail, the court ordered Oceransky to travel monthly from Yucatán to Jalisco for in-person signatures and to participate in virtual hearings. Fundación Yansa has denounced these measures as an attempt to criminalize environmental defense and limit Oceransky’s public activity regarding real estate disputes in Progreso.