HUMAN rights groups in Peru have condemned a new law approved by Congress that imposes sweeping restrictions on civil society organisations and deals a blow to anti-corruption efforts.

The new law modifies legislation passed in 2002 that established the Peruvian Agency for International Co-operation and regulates the oversight of international aid. The latest measure expands the agency’s powers in ways that critics say threaten the independence and work of non-profit organisations.

Supporters of the decision say it boosts transparency, but critics see it as a way to put pressure on human rights groups.