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City Bar Statement Expressing Concern About the New Legislation to Regulate Non-Profit Organizations in Paraguay
The Vance Center signed on to a statement by the New York City Bar Association expressing concern over the passage of a law that would jeopardize the fundamental rights of human rights organizations and individuals in Paraguay.
También disponible en español aquí
In a new report, the New York City Bar Association expressed serious concern about proposed legislation currently under discussion before Paraguay’s Congress. The legislation is ostensibly aimed at promoting transparency and accountability of non-profit organizations but would, in fact, limit their ability to function. If passed, the law “would hinder non-profits in numerous ways, including discouraging international cooperation or alliances and potentially violating the rights to freedom of expression, association, and privacy, amongst others, that have been enumerated under international human rights treaties and standards,” the statement says.
The report presents the history and key elements of the bill and notes concerns raised by Paraguayan and international organizations and human rights experts about specific aspects that could negatively impact civil society. These concerns include lack of specificity in the language of the bill and the imposition of vague and burdensome administrative requirements, as well as potential violations of international human rights law.
It calls on Paraguay’s Congress and elected officials to recognize the importance of an open civic space consistent with international law and Paraguay’s international commitments and hold more discussion on the bill before passing it into law.
“The current bill carries risks that could undermine the freedom of association and expression of local and international civil society organizations,” the statement says. “The City Bar strongly urges the Paraguayan government to consider all concerns civic organizations have raised with respect to this proposed legislation.”
The City Bar’s Inter-American Affairs Committee also signed on to the statement.
Read the full report in English here: