Latin America’s Democratic Backslide: A Growing Threat to Civil Society and Fundamental Rights
A concerning trend is emerging across Latin America: the increasing criminalization of civil society organizations and a corresponding erosion of democratic principles. This isn’t an isolated incident, but a pattern mirroring developments in countries like bolivia, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Paraguay. While the specific legal mechanisms vary, the outcome remains consistent – a restriction of social protest, a weakening of freedom of expression, and ultimately, increased control over civil society.
The impact of this democratic decline is already visible. In Bolivia, data from the UNITAS observatory reveals a 19% increase in violations of democratic institutions and human rights in 2024 alone. This underscores the real-world consequences of these restrictive policies.
This authoritarian drift isn’t occurring in a vacuum. It’s fueled by deep-seated social discontent stemming from disillusionment with traditional political parties,persistent inequality,inadequate public services,and systemic corruption. This frustration,coupled with growing citizen disengagement,creates an habitat where strong,centralizing leadership is perceived as a swift solution to perceived state inefficiency.
The implications extend far beyond the operational capacity of NGOs.The curtailing of civil society directly impacts the fundamental rights of all citizens, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable who lack the resources and networks to defend themselves against state overreach.
With crucial elections approaching in at least eight Latin American countries in the coming months, these polls represent a fundamental opportunity to reaffirm democratic vitality.However,these elections are taking place amidst widespread frustration with years of sluggish economic growth and limited social progress. The path forward requires a commitment to future-oriented solutions, rather than a return to past, damaging practices. Economic hardship and social unrest must not be exploited to justify further authoritarianism.
The defense of human rights is a continuous, transnational effort. The expansion of extractive industries – mining, oil, and fishing – is frequently enough linked to this democratic erosion, threatening the region’s rich natural resources. The consequences of state inaction will be first felt by rural and Indigenous communities, but ultimately impact the global environment.
Recent challenges to the Inter-American Human Rights System, such as Peru’s attempted withdrawal from the San José Pact, further highlight the urgency of regional advocacy.
Ultimately, a functioning democracy isn’t defined by a state’s power to control its citizens, but by the ability of people to organize, speak freely, and demand justice without fear of retribution. In Latin America today, protecting the right to protest and freedom of expression is paramount. A mere façade of democracy - characterized by open elections without the supporting conditions for genuine participation and accountability – is simply not sufficient. A retreat from democratic principles is a risk the region cannot afford to take.
