Peru is a country of striking contrasts, rich cultural heritage and ecological diversity. But the country faces urgent challenges: from the impacts of the climate crisis and environmental degradation to deep social inequality and fragile institutions.
Nearly 10 million people in Peru live in poverty, with Indigenous and rural communities facing persistent discrimination, exclusion and a lack of opportunities. Many people migrate to cities, settling in areas where access to safe water, basic services and secure housing is limited – making them especially vulnerable to natural disasters.
Water contamination and scarcity is a critical issue, affecting access to safe drinking water. The climate crisis is making water shortages even worse by reducing glacier-fed water sources and disrupting rainfall patterns, as well as increasing the risk of flooding.
Peru’s economy strongly depends on mining, but conflicts arise because affected communities are not meaningfully consulted about mining projects, only some benefit from the economic gains of mining, water becomes contaminated or becomes scarce in mining locations, and local Indigenous and rural communities who live near mining projects often suffer from negative impacts on their health, access to food and basic rights’ protection.
Women, girls and Indigenous groups experience high levels of gender-based violence, as well as limited educational and economic opportunities, and are frequently excluded from decisions that affect their lives. They also suffer from discrimination, criminalisation, land dispossession, and negative impacts on their mental and physical health in mining contexts.
Across Peru, Indigenous, rural and women leaders are defending their rights, land and environment in the face of growing pressures. But weak governance, political instability and new restrictions on civil society are making it harder for communities and human rights defenders to speak out safely.
A better world needs all of us. That’s why CAFOD has been working alongside local organisations, Church partners and communities in Peru since 1968, supporting those most affected by poverty, exclusion and injustice. Rooted in the Church’s call to care for our common home, together, we’ve been supporting communities to defend their human rights, tackle environmental concerns and achieve fair access and control of natural resources, because all of us deserve the opportunity to flourish.
