Paraguay
In early 2026, Paraguay continues to grapple with human rights challenges rooted in deep-seated inequality, systemic corruption, and a recent legislative push to restrict civic space. While the country maintains a generally stable democratic framework, the influence of organized crime and the concentration of land ownership significantly impact the rights of marginalized groups.
The following are the primary human rights issues currently facing Paraguay:
1. Restrictions on Civic Space and NGOs
A major development in late 2024 and 2025 was the introduction and implementation of a controversial "Anti-NGO" law.
The "NGO Control" Law: Formally known as the law for "transparency of non-profit organizations," it requires NGOs to submit biannual reports and disclose detailed financial information and partner lists.
Threat to Dissent: International bodies, including the UN and Amnesty International, have warned that the law's vague language allows the government to arbitrarily harass or dissolve organizations critical of the ruling Colorado Party.
Impact on Media: Many independent investigative outlets in Paraguay operate as non-profits; this law is seen as a backdoor method to monitor their funding and sources.
2. Indigenous Land Rights and Evictions
Paraguay has one of the highest levels of land concentration in the world, with roughly 2.5% of landowners controlling 85% of arable land.
Forced Evictions: Throughout 2025, there was an escalation in violent evictions of Indigenous and peasant communities to make way for agribusiness (soy and cattle). Between late 2024 and early 2025 alone, over 1,400 families faced displacement.
Criminalization of Activism: Reforms to the Penal Code (the "Zavala-Riera Law") have increased penalties for "property invasion" to up to 10 years in prison, effectively criminalizing Indigenous groups attempting to reclaim ancestral territories.
Lack of Basic Services: Indigenous communities suffer from staggering poverty rates—approximately 75% live below the poverty line—and frequently lack access to clean water and healthcare.
3. Judicial Independence and Corruption
Corruption remains "chronic," with organized crime networks reportedly exerting significant influence over the state.
Judicial Co-optation: In February 2026, leaked communications (from the "Eulalio Gomes" case) revealed a scheme of influence-peddling involving judges, prosecutors, and members of parliament to protect money laundering operations.
Impunity: High-level officials, including former President Horacio Cartes, have faced international sanctions for corruption, yet domestic prosecutions remain rare or stalled for years.
Prison Crisis: Over 70% of the prison population is currently held in pre-trial detention. Overcrowding and a lack of state control have allowed criminal gangs, such as the Primer Comando da Capital (PCC), to effectively run several penitentiaries.
4. Freedom of the Press
Journalists investigating corruption or organized crime, particularly in border regions with Brazil, face severe risks.
Violence and Harassment: In 2025, several journalists reported death threats from local political bosses. In some cases, journalists have been sued for "non-verbal incitement" or "defamation" after publishing reports on municipal corruption.
Self-Censorship: The lack of protection from the state has led to widespread self-censorship, particularly regarding the "narcopolitics" that dominate certain departments.
5. Women’s and LGBTQI+ Rights
Paraguay remains one of the most socially conservative countries in South America, with significant gaps in legal protections.
Gender-Based Violence: Femicide rates remain high, with activists reporting a weakening of prevention strategies. In 2025, the government faced backlash for further removing "gender perspective" and the word "gender" from school textbooks.
Reproductive Rights: Abortion is almost entirely banned, leading to a high rate of forced pregnancies among child rape survivors (girls aged 10–14).
LGBTQI+ Rights: There is no legal recognition for same-sex couples. Transgender individuals continue to face barriers in legal name recognition, and "anti-rights" rhetoric in Congress has intensified in 2026.
6. Child Labor and Exploitation
"Criadazgo": This traditional practice—where poor families send children to work as domestic servants for wealthier families in exchange for education—remains a form of modern slavery. While illegal, it is still practiced in thousands of households, often leading to physical and sexual abuse.
Sexual Abuse: In 2025, the Public Prosecutor’s Office registered over 3,500 complaints of child sexual abuse, a number that has remained alarmingly consistent over the last few years.