Paraguay - November 2024

On 15 November, President Santiago Peña enacted a law to regulate the work of non-profit organizations (NGOs). The law requires NGOs to register in a national database, disclose financial details, submit biannual reports and other information upon request, and list their partners, under risk of fines or suspension. Despite amendments during the legislative process, critics argue the law imposes excessive controls on an already efficient system, potentially straining smaller organizations. Criticisms highlight that the law was passed without civil society's participation and has vague and broad provisions that could be used to arbitrarily dissolve or restrict NGOs that are critical of the government. Press freedom groups caution that the law could particularly impact independent media, many of which operate as NGOs, by requiring disclosure of sensitive information and hindering public interest investigations. The government claims it will boost transparency and address concerns about money laundering and foreign influence in NGOs.

Sources: International IDEA, Amnesty International, The Guardian, ABC Paraguay (1), New York City Bar, Committee to Protect Journalists, Swiss Info, ABC Paraguay (2)