Peruvian senators call for reinstatement of indigenous peoples commission

Peruvian senators are calling for the reinstatement of a dedicated legislative commission for indigenous, Andean, Amazonian, and Afro-Peruvian peoples within the Congress of the Republic. Senators Susana Matute Charún and Mirtha Vásquez emphasized that the current congressional structure lacks a specific space to address the urgent demands and legal protections required by these communities.

Senator Matute highlighted the need to strengthen the legal framework to guarantee territorial, food, sanitary, and cultural sovereignty. Senator Vásquez noted that indigenous groups, specifically the Kichwa people from the Amazon, face critical issues including land titling disputes, conflicts arising from the creation of protected natural areas, and incursions by illegal economies. Both lawmakers stressed that given the significant indigenous population, providing formal parliamentary representation is essential for discussing fundamental rights and addressing the insecurity facing environmental defenders.